A PECULIAR CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1454, 15 May 1905, Page 2

A PECULIAR CASE.

A somewhat peculiar case was heard by Justices at Christchurch, when Henry Paget, a nightwatchman, was charged with having used threatening words, and with having behaved threateningly, with intent to provoke a broach of the peace. The trouble arose out of the custody of a child, a boy eight and a half years old, who has been kept by Elizabeth McColl, and was the illegitimate son of her dead brother. The mother of the boy, who has married in the meantime, took-no steps to recover the boy till March 31st when she authorised a private detective, the defendant in the present case, to get him. Paget failed to got the boy on March 31st, but next day, with the aid of three others, he managed to take him by force. ■ijThe evidence showed that Paget endeavoured to handouff the boy, and when an attempt was made to stop him taking the boy away, he said he was a constable. Paget tried to strike the person who attempted to interfere. Another witness eaid that Paget called upon him in the King's name to assist him;

Defendant, who described himself as a private detective, denied that he had stated that he was a constable. He told the boy his mother wanted him, and they were going away quietly when John McColi appeared and took defendant by the throat. Defendant then drew a pair of handcuffs and threatened to strike him,

Paget was further charged with assault, as were also Charles and Marion Restall. It was alleged that Paget, with Mrs Restall, entered McColl’s house, and Caroline MaColl stood on a chair in front of the boy when Paget pushed her aside. Mrs Bestall, the mother of the boy, then took him away. A cabman was blbo charged with taking part in the assault, but he deposed that he had nover left his cab.

For having used threatening words Paget was fined £3 and costs, and the charges of assault were dismissed.