MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 54, 28 November 1918, Page 7

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

ASSAULTING A POLICEMAN

THREE MEN SENT TO GAOL

Mr. p. V. Frazer, S.M., presided at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, and , dealt severely with three men convicted of assaulting a constable. Tho 111011 were John Casey, John M'Donald, and Henry Denliam, and they were charged with assaulting Constable Michael limit while in tho execution of his duty. Casey was also charged with drunkenness and using obseeno language. M'Donald was also charged with drunkenness. According to the evidence, about 0 p.m. on Tuesday Constable Hunt heard'Casey using disgusting language while converting with the other two men at the corner of Maimers Street and Taranaki Street, and remonstrated with him. As this proved ineffective tho constable proceeded to arrect the man. Constable Hunt, who is a lighter man than Casey, was immediately, struck a smashing blow on the faco. Casey's mate joined in the attack and started to kick thi policeman. A crowd soon collected, but no one present seemed to think it right to help the constable, except a woman, who ran to tho Taranaki Street Police Station and gave the alarm. Sergeant M'Kelvie and Constable Xing turned out promptly and eventually secured the three oQ'endefs. But before this help arrived Constable Hunt had a very bad time; a tramcar camo up and stopped, and Motoraieii J. C.' Minifie and G. H. Mooro went to tho assistance, of Hunt. Motonuan Mooro stated that lie distinctly saw Denliam hold the constable's head and deliberately administer a blow on the face, notwithstanding the fact that the constable was at tho time doing his utmost to defend himself from the assaults of Casey. Denham bolted and Motorman Mooro gave chase, but did not catch him. , Tho Magistrate, in sentencing the men to three months' imprisonment oach, said there was only one Vay to deal with such cowardly and brutal assaults, and that was to hit tho assailants hard. At present tho police forco was much reduced through illness, and must bo given all the protection possible. Continuing, the Magistrate remarked that he had once again to compliment the tramway officials for coming to the assistance of tho police. -It was pleasant to see men assisting in this manner and doing what was really the duty of every decent-minded citizen. It was very much to be regretted that a certain section of tho ■ community appeared to look on a constable as fair game, especiallj when the odds were against him. On the other charges against Casey and M'Donald tliey were convicted and discharged. CIVIL CASES. Mr. W. G. liiddell, S.M., gave judgment for plaintiff in tho following undefended civil cases I—'William' O'Brvan v. William Murphy, .£1 155., costs 55.; James Webster and AY. J. Martin, trustees in tho estate of tho late Dr. Martin; v. George Eeid, ,£8 lis. 6d., costs ■£1 3s. ' Gd.; Iron Moulders' Union v. P. E. Rosviill, XI Is., costs Us.; John Nieol v. Margaret Yuill, £2 25., costs 10s.; Hooton, Yeale and Beaucliamx) v. George Holloway, ,£l7, costs XI 10s. 6d.; Bartlett and Andrew, Ltd:, v. Arthur. A. Hobday, ,£1 Is., costs 55.;: W. G. Fitchett v. W. Bice, .£7 lSs: Gd., costs J!l ss. Cd.; Pjnny and Mitchell v. G.' H. Oliver, c£7 10s., costs i£l-3s. Gd.;'Dayton Scalo Co., Ltd., v.. J. W. Duke, X 6 13s. -Id., costs XI 3s. Gd.; Mary Jane Eoso v. Charles Edward. Young, XGB 155., costs '45.; P. Smith v.- William Burbidge, 125., costs 55.; James Drysdalo v. Duncan M'Pherson, X 8 ss. 3d., costs Xl' ss. Gd.; William Henry Barnett v. William Donaldson,' Xlß' 10s. 6d., costs XI 13s. Gd.; United Insurance Co., Ltd., v. Crook and Hayman, X-t 125.,' costs 125.; Motor Import Co. v. Imperial Garage Co., Xl 2 Is. 9d., costs XI 10s. 6d.;' Herbert C. P.iulko v. Amy Haybittle, Xl 2, costs XI 10s. : Gd.; Motor Import Co. v. L. Trothowen, Xll os.. 7d., costs'Xl 10s. Gil.; Inglis Bros, and Co., Ltd,, v. A. M. Proctor, XI 145., costs Bs.; J. E. Fitzgeralil v. Charles Hekenili;. X 5, Us. dd„ costs XI Bs. Gd. . In a. defeiicled suit Patrick.'.Mahoney was ordered to give up possession of a tenement by December 16 - and pay XI Us. costs. In a judgment summons case D. C. Hay was ordered to pay May Hutton X 4 'ss. by December 10, in default, four .da.a' imprisonment.