BRUTAL ASSAULT IN AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 863, 31 March 1877, Page 3

BRUTAL ASSAULT IN AUCKLAND.

A man named Peter McGrath has been committed to trial for a brutal assault on his wife. The following particulars were given before the Magistrate :—Mary McGrath, who presented a pitiable spectacle of weakness and ill-usage, was accommodated with a chair while giving evidence. She deposed that her husband was a shoemaker. On Saturday, the 17th, her husband said he should go into the domain to see the children there. Instead of going there he went into the public-house and got drunk. Returned two or three times during the evening up to half-past nine at night. A person called and paid 83 for a pair of boots. She went to get some meat for Sunday, taking the baby with her. Was absent about 20 minutes. On her return found her husband standing at the door in his shirt sleeves. As sop»n as he caught sight of her he began to abuse her. Pulled her from thp shop into the kitchen, and struck her several blows with his clenched fists, and pulled out a quantity of hair and commenced to kick her. Could recollect nothing more. f)i4 n pt return to sensibility until the following day, when she found herself in a fearful state, being neither able to see nor movp. Was lying on the iioor. Remained there until four o'clock on Monday evening, when a neighbor named Mrs McCarthy brought some brandy and water and tea. On the following day was removed to the hospital by the police. Her husband Was drinking on Monday, and threatened "To do for her" with a jug. It was not the fjrst occasion on which she had been illtreated. Had been married to him ten years, during that time had suffered greatly from rua cruelty. The jacket (produced) was one she had on at the time. He" husband wore a shirt when he assaulted her. $oj;o articles of clothing were saturated with

blood, and presented a horrible spectacle.] Her hasbanp abused her both when drunk and sober. He was quiet to everybody but her. When in England was imprisoned twelve months' for assaulting witness. Had three children alive. Did not provoke her husband. They arrived by Jessie Osborne live months ago. Mr Philson's evidence showed that the woman was covered with biuises when brought to the hospital. Had a child five weeks old in arms. A son eight years old deposed that he heard mother say ' 'Phil forgive me this time ; will not trouble you again." His father then beat her worse, and pulled her from the shop into the kitchen by the sleeves of her jacket ; gave her a thump under her right ear with his clenched fist; kicked her when she was on the floor, and knocked her about the head and body with planks which he got out of the shop. He said these were not " sharp enough," and went into the shop and got a knife, whioh he held over her and then put it on the table ; got a peg knife and struck her about the head and body with it ; brought a leather strap and fastened her hands with it. After having exhausted his strength, he left her lying on the floor with her hands tied. She was left in this position until next morning, when his father lifted her into bed. The floor was covered with blood, which was wiped off by his father. He slept in the kitchen, and during the night had heard his mother groaning, but she did uot speak. When he went for assistance his father turned him back and beat him. Sarah McCarthy, wife of Hugh McCarthy, deposed that at about six o'clock she heard Mrs McGrath moaning. Went in, and almost fainted at the sight of Mrs McGrath sitting there saturated with blood. Wished to get some warm water to bathe her face with, but McGrath refused. Witness insisted on procuring some wat«r, and bathed her for three hours. Found the body completely blackened. It was covered with bood and matter. A large puffy wound had been caused in the back of her head. While she was bathing Mrs McGrath, prisoner took up a quart mug which was lying on the table and attempted to strike her. The cause of the murderous assault was that the husband forbade the wife to go hawking to butchers for meat, and she disobeyed.