PUNCHED HIS WIFE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 480, 9 October 1928, Page 13

PUNCHED HIS WIFE

HUSBAND CHARGED SEPARATION ORDER MADE Stephen Rowntree announced his return from abroad last evening by striking his wife on the jaw and using vile language outside his father-in-law’s front gate. He was charged at the Police Court this morning with assault and using obscene language. lie pleaded not guilty on each count. Jessie Lorna Rowntree, wife of accused, described him as a carpenter and joiner. She said that he had called at the house, where she was living with her parents, yesterday*, and demanded to seo his two children. He had been told to come back at seven o’clock, as they were out. 11c had returned at a-quarter past eight under tho influence of liquor. Witness had asked him to leave, and he had ultimately knocked her down and used the language complained of. Mr. J. J. Sullivan, who appeared in support of the wife, suggested that a separation order should be made on the grounds of persistent cruelty. Drink was accused’s trouble, but a prohibition order would be of no avail as he was always looking for a fight and had assaulted his wife on other occasions. A separation order had been drawn up three months ago and maintenance agreed at £1 15s a week, but Mrs. Rowntree had received only £1 since the agreement was made. The separation order was made, maintenance and guardianship being fixed at £1 15s a week.

“I shall not fine you on the original charges, as I think you would be better paying off past maintenance, which £ fix at £5,” said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. “When a man strikes his wife I usually give him 14 days.”