ASSAULT CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1932, Page 7

ASSAULT CHARGE

ATTACK BY HOOLIGANS.

CHASE IN THE ClfY. AUCKLAND, December 12. The “mobbing” by hooligans of two men who had attempted to capture a suspected thief was described in the Ponce Court yesterday when James McNally, aged 38, seaman, was charged with assaulting Francis Thomas MeAneny. McNally, who was represented by Mr Aekins, pleaded not guilty, but inter amended liis plea to guilty. McAneny, despatch manager of a city store, gave evidence that at 8.00 p.lll. 011 Friday, December 2, he was in his firm’s parsing area when he noticed two men 1 mining down the street, pursued by one of the shop assistants. Witness and the assistant got into a ear and chased the men up Nelson Street and Victoria. Street.

They headed the men off, but while they were escorting one of them to the car six hooligans began assaulting them. McNally was one of these. Ho got away at the time, but was later recognised by witness in Hobson Street. Accused at first denied being concerned in the assault, but later admitted it. Mr Aekins, in amending liis client’s plea to guilty, said McNally was under the influence of liquor at the time. He admitted being with those who assaulted McAneny, but denied that he had actually struck the man. Accused was fined £5, in default on o month’s imprisonment,