MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2436, 15 April 1915, Page 9

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

ALLEGED ASSAULT AND ROBBERY THREE ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL A charge of assault,and robbery was heard against three men —John Dalton, Alexander Robinson, and Wm. Tyler— in the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M. The charge was that of assaulting Richard Hubert Bennett, and robbing him of £5 and a letter. Accused were unrepresented by counsel.

In his evidence, Bennett said he was a ship's steward, and that on the day in question he was in Barrett's Hotel. He went to the rear of the hotel after having a drink, and was there set upon by the three men. The accused Tyler caught him by the throat and knocked his head against the wall, then another person put his hand in his pocket and took out an envelope he had there with five one pound notes in. When they let go his tnroat witness asked them for the money, hut they only laughed at him, and went away with it. The barman at Barrett's Hotel, Andrew Murray Botts, said that some time prior to the occurrence Bennett asked nim to change a £5 into five single notes.

Wm. Macfarlane, a carrier, said he was in the vicinity of Barrett's Hotel when he saw whftt appeared to be four men scuffling. Later he saw the accused Dalton with his land inside Bennett's coat. He also saw Tyler with his hand grasping Bennett's throat. Later witness told the police of what he had seen, and pointed out the accused. John Jobson gave corroboiative evidence.

Constable Toolter, who arrested tie accused, said that when he charged them with the assault Dalton said he had never been near where accused was robbed. When searched at the Police Station 13s. lOd. was found on Dalton, sd. on Robinson, and nothing on Tyler. Each of the accused pleaded not guilty and were committed _to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed in £75. OTHER CASES. John William Lucas was fined £3, in default 14 ■ days' imprisonment, for using obscene language. Donald Mathieson was fined £2, or seven days' imprisonment, for drunkenness. Three first offenders were dealt with.