BRAWL IN CLYDE STREET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4438, 10 April 1930, Page 2

BRAWL IN CLYDE STREET.

SEQUEL HEARD IX COURT. At the local Magistrate’s Court this morning before Mr. ,T. L. Stout, S.M., the Police proceeded against Stephen C. Ingram and Dolf Cook on charges of fighting in Clyde Street on March 22nd. Mr. M. B. Bergin appeared for defendant, Ingram, and entered a plea of not, guilty. Cook was unrepresented by counsel and pleaded not guilty. (Constable Owen in outlining the ease said that on Saturday evening the two defendants met at the corner of Clyde and Main Streets at about S o’clock and commenced lighting. Constable Bell was nearby and took them to the police station where explanations were made, Cook alleging that Ingram made some remarks to a lady with whom lie was keeping company.

Constable Bell in evidence said he noticed from the eastern side of Main Street the two defendants lighting on the night in question. As he crossed the road he saw Ingram on the ground and the other man kicking him. Both men then got up and on witness arriving on the scene each said the other had struck the first blow. ■ To Mr. Bergin: When lirst seen both men were in the full light of the store window. They then moved seven or eight feet down Clyde Street. Ingram had a dark overcoat on and Cook was attired in a light suit. Ingram had a severe abrasion of the left check hone. Cook had the mark of a lighter blow on the face. Ingram was 'dazed when at the police station, not from the effects of the light but he was worried because he had been concerned in a public disturbance. Witness took Ingram home. Could not say iwlio was the aggressor. Mr. Bergin in placing Ingram in I lie witness box said that Ingram did mu light and had no opportunity to. Cook called him down Clyde Street to talk to him, grabbed him by the legs, up-ended him and kicked him. X T o words were passed between Ingrain and Cook, except that Cook said “you’ve been taking my girl out, take that" and struck him in the eye. He was dazed aftei' 4 the blow and did not even know that he had been kicked. He had a frightful eye as a result of the blow and bruises on the body and one arm. Ingram was a (piiet mail and had never been in trouble before.

•Stephen Claude Ingram, in evidence, said he had been talking to a man named Mansfield oil l Gai'bett’s corner on the night in question wlmn Cook came up and said, “I want in speak to you.” Witness replied, “All right" and followed him a little wav down Clyde Street. Cook then said, ‘•You have been talking- to mv voting- lady.” Witness had replied “Yes," and tliereiipipn Cook hit him. Witness had buth hands in his trousers pockets at the time. Cook immediately grubbed him by the legs after the Idow and threw him and when witness tried to scramble up he was thrown again.

To Mr. Bergin: He had never in his life previously spoken to Cook. The young lady in question was his sister-in-law. Her husband was dead. Did not know lie had been kicked until lie was told so by Constable Bell and Manslield. .1. S. Mansfield said lie was talking to Ingram when Cook came up mid asked if he could speak to Ingram. They both moved away aud a few seconds later witness heard a scuttle and saw Cook grab Ingram’s legs and throw him to the footpath And “hoot” his head. Witness went uti and said "This is enough of tins, Cook," and Constable Bell then arrived on the scene.

To .Mr. Bergin: There were few people about at the time and no lights. ißook led the way down Clyde Street.

Dolf Cook, in evidence, said he accused Ingram of wanting to meet his young woman. This Ingram denied, and struck witness on the uig!it side of the cheek. Witness hit hack, and Ingram struck him again and kicked him.

To Constable Owen: Ingram (kicked him in the right groin. To Mr Bergin: Did not take Ingram down a- dark street. Could not talk to him in front of Manslield in Alain Street. (Spoke to Ingram on Robinson’s about six weeks ago. Air Bergin: How many lights have you hail in the iast six months?—This is the first I know of. What about Bucinsky’s?—l liad a bit; of a squabble there. Who with, Air Luciusky jar., or senior? —Both.

Didn’t you knock Newson out at Easton’s cow shed? —This is the lirst I know of it.

And didn’t you ‘‘clean’’ Whitlow up ? —No.

Witness further stated he did not show the bruise from the kick to ilie police. Honied walking ahead so that lie could turn around and “smack into" Ingram first. George lunis, Cook’s companion, ■said he hud accompanied Cook aeross the road on the night in question, and was a few feet away from the light. The scuffle lasted only a few minutes. Could not say who was the aggressor, and did not know what 'Cook intended to say to Ingram. Ingram kicked first. He saw that. He also saw Cook grab Ingram by the legs and up-end him. Cook was against the wall " nen Ingram kicked him. They talked for about a minute before any blows were struck.

The S.AI. said there was no doubt that Cook had a grievance, whether fancied or real, and was evidently the aggressor. Ingram might have been lighting but it may have been only in self defence. He would

he given the benefit of the doubt and the charge against him would lie dismissed. Cook was fined £2 with costs 10s.