POLICE OFFICE. July 29, 1846. Before H. St. Hill, Esq., P. M.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 105, 1 August 1846, Page 4

POLICE OFFICE. July 29, 1846. Before H. St. Hill, Esq., P. M.

Edward Steep, a private in her Majesty's 99th regiment, was charged by Mrs. Phelan, wife of William Phelan, private in the same regiment, with an assault with intent, &c. &c. Frances Phelan stated, she knew the prisoner at the bar, Edward Steep, who was a friend of her husband ; prisoner came to her house last night; there were- two young women present taking tea with deponent; when they went home prisoner accompanied them; prisoner returned to deponent's house in about ten minutes afterwards; her husband was absent from home; the prisoner wished deponent good night, and at that time attempted to commit the assault complained of. William Cattel, carpenter, who resides next door to complainant, stated he heard the cries of Mrs. Phelan on the night in question, and proceeded to her house ; found her in a great state of excitement, and she appeared very much alarmed ; he made diligent search, but found no pnein the house; as soon as Mrs. Phelan had recovered from her state of alaim, she told deponent that a soldier had attempted to take advantage of her. The prisoner offered no defence, and was committed to take his trial at the next Sittings at Wellington, and the witnesses were bound over to prosecute.