BRUTAL ATTACK ON WIFE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 34, 18 December 1950, Page 5

BRUTAL ATTACK ON WIFE

« A particularly brutal attack on his wife, outside a policeman’s residence, brought a young Maori a substantial fine in the Whakatane Court on Friday.

Walter Tokina, a labourer, aged 22, of Wairaka Pa, was cnarged that on Thursday he assaulted his wife, Vera Tokina, by striking her on the mouth with his He pleaded guilty. Messrs L. Brown and H. G. Warren, J. P’s, were on the bench. Senior-Sergeant F. N. Fuller said that at about 8.45 on Thursday night, Constable R. F. Julian, living in Toroa Street, heard the blow when the woman was struck. The constable found her nearly unconscious inside his gate and she was still affected next morning. Accused had gone away leaving her. The wife had two young children with her. There had been other cases of Tokina assaulting his wife.

The attack was most brutal. Tokina had been before the Court on various charges. Tokina said he had had “a couple of drinks.” His wife had said something he did not like and “that had started everything.” The wife was afraid of Tokina but was of a forgiving nature, said the Senior-Sergeant. Tokina said he had three children and eaxnt £8 a week. The charge was most serious said the bench. It was not desired to send Tokina to prison if he would give his word not to repeat the offence.

A fine of £lO, with 10/- costs, was ordered to be paid at £2 a week and Tokina was ordered to take out a prohibition order.