RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 94, 7 April 1876, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

[Before L. Broad, Esq., R.M.] ASSAULT. Thomas Berry, of Toi Toi Valley, was charged with assaulting John Jenner on Tuesday last. Mr Fell appeared for the .defendant. John Jenner: On Tuesday I went up the hill where defendant's boys were chasing a goat of mine, and pelting it with stones. They called out to their father, and he came up and struck me, knocked me down, and kicked me. Cross examined : I have several goats, which sometimes stray on Berry's land. I did not set the dog on him or throw 1 stones at him. There was no reason for his striking me except that I was on his land. Amelia Rowlinson : I was looking out of my window, and saw Berry strike complainant on the face two or three times. I did not see Jenner try to.strike him or throw stones at him. Thomas Berry, sworn: I have B, J acres of land in Toi-Toi Valley, where complainant's goats are constantly trespassing. On Tuesday I sent my boys to drive off the goats when Jenner set the dog at them, end picked up a big stone. Iran between, him and them, and he fell flat on his back. I never kicked him. His Worship said it was clear that an unprovoked assault had been committed, though not of a very serious nature. Defendant would be fined 10s and costs, or in default .48 tours' imprisonment.