"MOST DISTRESSING CASE."

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1419, 20 April 1912, Page 4

"MOST DISTRESSING CASE."

HUSBAND ASSAULTS WIFE. (Ex Telecfiiph—Press Association.! Auckland, April 18. 'A most -unusual caso came before Mr. Kettle, S.M., this morning. A man named John Casey was charged with having assaulted his wife ou April 15. Casey pleaded guilty Tho wife, who had her eyes badly blackened, deposed that she was- 21 years of age. She was married tlireo weeks ago. oho came to Auckland from Tukekoho to get married. She had known her husband for about twolvo months. Sinco her marriage they had been living in rooms in Ponsonby. On April 15 her husband made certain remarks about her child, but ho know all about it bei'oro thoy were married. On tho 15th her husband was drunk, and lie punched her in the face. Sho had not done niivthing to nrouso his anger. John Casey said ho was very sorry to havo struck his wife. It was the first linio ho had laid hands on her. Ho had offered her ii'S to go back homo before ho married her, but sho declined to do so. ]lo did not want to marry tho girl, but did so at her mother's request and because she said she would "do for herself" if he did not marry her.

.Mr. Keltic said it was ft most distressing case. Defendant would bo convicted of brutal assault upon this unfortunate woman, who was almost a child, who had apparently been cast off by those who should have taken chargo of her.

"You married her," added Jlr. Kettle, "and you got drunk .and violently assaulted' her. It is difficult to find words to express one's disgust at such conduct. You must coiho up to be dealt with next Monday morning " J lis Worship also granted a. summary separation and made n. maintenance order of .1:1 ss. per week.