SERIOUS ASSAULT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1931, Page 6

SERIOUS ASSAULT

ON HIS AGED MOTHER

(By Telegraph —Per Press Association)

WESTPORT, May 20

At the sitting of the Magistrate's Court at Westport to-day, before Mr W. Meld rum S.M.. Arthur James Boports was charged with assaulting Ills mother, Mrs Mary Roberts, aged 73 years, so as to cause actual boiiilj harm, on April 24th. at her house in Llomill,v Street, Westport. The charge of attempted murder previously preferred against the accused, was withdrawn. Detective H. C. Murch conducted the prosecution and accused was represented by Mr A. L. Black. Detective Murch stated that Mrs Holier, ts was still in hospital, although she was not suffering from the injuries alleged to have been caused by accused, but from other trouble, and as a result she could not appear to Court.

Mrs Emily Maud -Felix, married daughter of Mrs Mary Roberts, gave took place it would not he due to sault. She stated .that accused had her - mother, on the floor. She was lying’ face downwards, with a towel over her face. Her brother was bumping lier mother’s head on the floor and at the same time was singing “Rule Britannia.” Witness tried to git accused to leave her mother alone, but

he threatened to “do for'her” jl she came near, .'flic mother -was lifted into a bedroom, and her head was coyßl'iji!

with blood

Dr P. L .Foote, medical practitioner Westport, gave evidence that he was called to the 'house to attend to -*rrs Roberts. He found her bleeding front the nose and there was severe bruising on her forehead and head. The old lady was also suffering from shock. One of her eyes was closed and the otlicer badly bruised. Witness had her removed to the Hospital. She was nn old lady aged 78 years. He did noe think at the time she would recover, but she bad now completely recovered from the injuries and was suffering from other complaints. If her death' too kplace it would not be due to injuries received on April 24. "Witness had examined accused, who was then Suffering from acute mania, which in witness’s opinion, was due to alcohol. He had examined accused, since, and now considered him normal!

Arthur Charles Stannnrd, gave evidence that at 8.15 a.m. on April 24 be wa sin the vicinity, of Mrs Robert’s house; and A. I rs. Felix ,palled witness in, and be then saw the accused punching bis mother and thumping her head on tin* floor. Witness pulled accused off. The accused made some rambling remarks. The Police Constable had then arrived, and was in time to lake accused’s hands off the old lady’s throat.--- -Accused - was - attired in his shirt only. The Constable tlii’ii took accused into custodv.

BergeanL T. M. McGlone said he vis ited .Mrs .Roberts’s house at 8.30 a.m on April-4-24J;h,. oinffNsTfw“ the old Indy sitting in a Chair .in.-lter bedroom and, as a result of her injuries lie communicated with Dr Foote.

Accused pleaded not guilty, reserving his defence, and was committed to tin' Supreme Court for trial.

Rail was allowed in self C‘loo and two sureties of L's() each.