ASSAULT ON A GIRL

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1930, Page 6

ASSAULT ON A GIRL

REFUSAL TO DANCE AT CABARET AUCKLAND, December 2. “it seems that a girl smacked him on the nose. Any woman that hits a man on'the nose, I think, is taking a big’risk.” “It’s a pity a man didn’t hit him therfe instead.” The first 1 remark was made by counsel, at' the Police Court, when John Edward Middens, a young labourer, pleade'd guilty to being disorderly while drunk in Karangahape Road and assaulting a young woman last evening. The second reference concerning the blow delivered to Siddens’s nose was made by the Magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt."

'Detective-Sergeant Kelly said Constable Goebel met the complainant, a yoiing ’woman, in Karangahape Road air 16.15' last night. She was crying, and the constable learnt that Siddens had assaulted her. He followed Siddens along the road, and approached him as lie was about to strike a man. Siddens was then arrested. “The young woman was at a cabaret, and so was Siddens,” added Mr Kelly. “Siddens asked her to dance, and she refused his request. He abused her, arid; following her downstairs, punched her oh the face several times.” “Did he?” said Mr Hunt. “What’s known against him?” Detective-Sergeant Kelly produced Siddens’s list, showing previous convictions, including assault and robbery with violence .and offences arising out of drunkenness.

Mr Noble (for accused): Siddens certainly seems to be a wild young fellow. Of course, he was drunk last night, and after he was punched on the nose by the girl it evidently provoked him and caused him to . lose his senses for the moment. Drink is no doubt tbe cause of his trouble.

On one of the charges the Magistrate fined Siddens £5, in default one month’s imprisonment. Accused was also ordered to pay the expenses of five witnesses, which amounted to £1 15s.

“Can he have time to pay?” asked counsel. ,

“No,, none at all,” said the Magis irate. 1