COURTS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8891, 10 August 1907, Page 2

COURTS.

Per Press A ssociation, Auckland, August 9. At tho Supremo Court to-day a charge of having indecently assaulted a married woman at "Whakatane on June 10 was preferred against Wm. George Eassloigli who pleaded not guilty. Mr Tolo, in opening, stated that a fortnight before the alleged offence was committed accused was lodging at complainant’s house. On the afternoon in question while she was lying down accused camo in, and, leaning over her, rubbed his face against hors. She awoke with a start and pushed him away. Accused then asked about a handorchiof which he had left behind. Accused had left certain luggage in tho kitchen and complainant directed him where to get it. Accused then left the room but returned again and committed the offence. He subsequently left complainant who then went to the township and informed her husband. The latter on meeting with accused taxed him with the offence and struck him, after which ho gave information to the police. Evidence was then called. Accused on oath denied the charge, and declared he was only skylarking with complainant. He acknowledged kissing her on previous occasions. Ho declared that sho was in love with him, and was jealous because he was not paying her as much attention as formerly.

The jury retired at 5 o’clock to con- , sider their verdict. At 9 o’clock the jury announced that they were unable to agree, and a new trial was ordered for next week. ' The case against Dr James Dalziel, ■ charged with performing an illegal i operation, will bo taken on Monday, g ; Wellington, August 10. Thomas Perry Peddle, who, iu Hawke’s Bay, assaulted a sheriff when that official was enforcing an order of the Court, was brought up for sentence to-day. Judge Cooper , said the reports put iu by medical men showed that accused was uot one who should be kept under re- s straiut in a mental hospital. His Honor thought the case would he met by admitting Peddle to probn- , tion and making it a condition of his release that ho should find security in £2OO that he would be of future good behaviour. He would also be required to pay the cost of the present proceedings, the sum uot to exceed £35.