AFFRAY IN SHIP

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 153, 24 March 1939, Page 11

AFFRAY IN SHIP

Fireman Convicted Of Assault And Theft A fireman iu the Port Darwin, Thomas Joseph Mounsey, aged 29, pleaded liquor as an excuse when he was charged before Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., in the Magistrates’ Court, Wellington, yesterday with assaulting the chief officer, C. F. Post, and Constable P. C. Boate, and with the theft of a case of apples from the Port Line. He was convicted and fined £2/10/-, in default 14 days’ imprisonment, on each asasult charge, and on the theft charge he was convicted and ordered to make restitution of 11/-. He pleaded not guilty to each charge. Sub-Inspector J. A. Dempsey prosecuted.

Robert Begg, tally clerk, said a number of firemen came along when he was tallying cases of apples into the ship on Wednesday night. Mounsey and another man each took a case of apples from the loading tray, Mounsey taking his up the gangway. He was asked by the chief officer to take it back but refused, broke it open and threw apples all over the forecastle. Colin Francis Post said Mounsey was under the influence of liquor. He said the Port Line would not miss a case of apples. Mounsey at first went, quietly with Constable Boate, but later seized witness by the tie . and butted his chest with his head. The constable prevented him from hitting witness in the face, and another man hit the constable over the head with a bucket. Constable Boate said Mounsey seemed to be roused by the actions of another member of the crew.

Mounsey said he was under the influence of liquor and knew nothing about the affair.