FIREARM CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1933, Page 4

FIREARM CHARGE

lb: LD E R ALLOWED. BAIL.

HOKITIKA HEARING TO-MORROW

GREYMOUTH, February 22. “It was the act of an impetuous youth, who is rather chivalrous,” said Mr A. 11. Paterson, when pleading iat tha Magistrate’s; Court, Greymouth, to-day, that bail be allowed to Frederick Denton Albert AA’ilder, who. appeared in custody, charged that, at Hokitika- on February 19, without ianf.,l and su.hc.ent purpose, lie presented an automatic pistol at Charles Ernest Appleton. Senior-Sergeant Roach; This young man was arrested on Monday at Hokitika, and was brought before the Court there. Bail was refused, and lie was remanded until Friday.. Mr Paterson has made representations to me, on behalf of accused, and has asked that the question of bail be opened. It is worth consideration, the protection cl' Appleton from further molestation, and for that reason I would ask that bail be substantial. He is charged under the Arms Act with an offence punishable by two months’ imprisonment, or a fine not exceeding £20.. He will also be charged with common assault, and with being in possession of the weapon which is more serious, in that he is liable to a fine of £IOO or three months’ imprisonment. Mr AV. Meldrum, S.'M,: He is not charged with that,at present? The Senicnv£>ergaant: No, but those charges will be preferred against him, I would like that to be taken into con* sideratiem, when bail is being consid* ered.

Mr Paterson: I consider that bail should be allowed, to enable accused

- rveu re bis (Terence, and I asked the police to bring him before the Court this morning. Although he had a gunj in liis possession, the assault was not at all serious. The gun was merely to frighten Appleton, and there was nd attempt to use it. It was tiie act of an impetuous youth, who is rather chivalrous. It was not so serious as the charge would make it appear. Accused, has no firearm now, and lie is in Greymouth. The other charges are not yet preferred' against him. His father lias come over from Christchurch. Accused is going to remain in Greymouth. His employer is willing to stand bail, and I think it should be allowed' say, in £IOO. ’

The S.M. said that accused had a right to bail, unless it was a very serious offence. On the charge now before the Court, he was liable to two months’ imprisonment! or a fine not exceeding £2O. Bail would be allowed in self £l5O and one surety of £IOO.

The Senior-Sergeant said that the police had no objection. Accused was released on bail, and. is to appear at the Hokitika Court oa Friday.