BREACH OF THE PEACE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 83, 14 March 1916, Page 7

BREACH OF THE PEACE.

At the Magistrate's Court, Stratford, this morning William Summers 1 and Herbert James Sharrock, farmers and neighbors, were charged with a breach of the peace in view of pass-ers-by in a public place to wit, Broadway. It appears that ill-feeling exists between the two men and that last evening they came to blows in the Club Stables' right-of-way. Sergeant Dale and Constable Bleasel both gave evidence of the arrest and of the admission by the accused that each had struck the other. Mr S. McAllister, for Summers, pleaded guilty under grave provocation, and said that Sharrock, a married mar., had persisted in .paying attentions to Summers' daughter against the oxpressed wishes of the father and mother, and hence the present trouble. He submitted that Summers had acted while in a state of excitement under the provocation alleged, and for the purpose of protecting his daughter. In the circumstances, h* urged that a conviction without fine would meet the case. "Mr S. Sponcc, who appeared for Sharrock objected to the introduction of the matter raised by Mr Macalister, and pleaded not guilty on behalf of his client. Mr Spence also contended that the information had been wrongly laid, the assault, if it has occurred, not having been committed in a public place within the meaning of the Act. Some evidence was given, and in reply to the Bench, Sergeant Dale said the assault was not of a very serious nature. The Bench decided that an assault had been committed, and that it was in view of [passers by. Summers, apparently under great provocation had first struck Sharrock, and on his own admission, the latter had retaliated. Both would be convicted and discharged.