SAVAGELY ATTACKED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 70, 26 June 1942, Page 5

SAVAGELY ATTACKED

ELDERLY MAN'S EXPERIENCE ASSAILANT COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE Lucky to have escaped with his life, Mr Oswald Park an elderly man aged 59 years, related in the Wh'akatane Court 3 r esterday details of a savage and unprovoked! attack made on him by a young half-caste Maori, at his bach at Piripai, on the night of May 11 last. The Aictim Avhosc head Avas extensiA'ely marked as a result of the attack Avhich Avas made Avith a large spanner, is a Avell known resident who resides near the Paper Mills, while his assailant, Robert Carter, is a youth of 17 years Avho stood in the dock charged Avitli the assault and freely admitted his guilt. Victim's Story Park stated that at 7 p.m. on the night named he left his bach to attend a Home Guard parade. He had noticed the accused in the vicinity but had not thought anything of it. He returned about 11.30 p.m. and when he Avas about to open the door, it opened of its own accord. He thought he could sec a figure within and backed away. At this the intruder rushed out and struck him again and again on the head with a metal instrument. Witness said he fell to the ground trying to defend his head but the blows rained unchecked. He had managed to call for help to a neighbour Avho came cut a Hew minutes later, Avhereat his assailant made off. His neighbour, Jacob Tarau then arm-ed on the scene and had assisted him to Wano's store. The police arri\ r cd later and he had been removed to hospital. Neighbour's Evidence Jacob Tarau related how he had been roused from his bed by the calls for help from Mr Park. When he arm'cd there, the victim Avas alone, lying on the ground, his head and clothing being coA'ercd Avith blood. Later he Avent Avith the police to the home of the accused, Avhero Carter Avas found in bed. There Avas some blood stained clothing nearby Avhich accused admitted w-as his. A spanner also blood stained was found. Carter admitted the assault saying he Avanted to get some money so that he could leaA-e home. Constable Thomasson said that he had found Park at the Piripai store in a Avounded and Avcakencd state w There could be no doubt, but that he had been the A r ictim of a saA-age attack. Park informed him that Carter had assaulted him, and at that a Adsit Avas made to the accused's bach about a mile distant. Carter admitted, the assault. Fifteen Woundte) Dr. E. T. Dawson, superintendent of the Whakatanc Hospital, said that, Avhen admitted to the hospital Park had 15 or 1(5 multiple head wounds ranging from *& inch to 2 inches long. Fortunately there were no signs of actual fractures. Accused Avho pleaded guilty, and had no questions to ask, Avas •committed to the Supreme Court, Auckland, for sentence.