AFFAIR AT “SING-SONG*

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 965, 7 May 1930, Page 1

AFFAIR AT “SING-SONG*

CHARGE OF ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE ONE MAN ADMITS GUILT The events which followed an invitation to a “sing-song” at a house ;B Hobson Street were investigated in the Supreme Court today, when James Darby was on trial on a charge of robbery with violence on the night of April 4. Robert Morton, who was jointly chai-ged, pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentence. Mr. Hubble prosecuted and Mr. Nub:# appeared for the accused. The victim of the attack. Chas. C. Darke, described how he met Daley at a city hotel shortly before 6 o’clock, and on nis invitation went with h.» companion to a house occupied by man named Williams. In the presence of Dale?’. Morton and Williams, witness produced a roll of notes, giving Williams £ 1 to make some purchases. After Williams left. DaJey seized him from behind and Morton struck him to the floor in a dazed condition and during this time his money was taken. When Williams returned witness accused the pair of robbing him. Evidence was given by Williams, who said that on returning to the house h# found Darke on the floor. Darke remarked “I’m rooked; they haven’t left me a penny piece.” Accused asserted he had been outside when Darke wad robbed and maintained he had taken Darke’s part on returning to the room. Mr. Noble: Did he say he got a smack in the dark?

“No; a smack on the Jaw,” retorted witness, amid laughter. Constable Moore produced a statement in which accused denied taking part in the crime. In the witness-box, accused declared he did not arrive at the house until some time after Morton and Darke had been there. p

The jury retired at 11.45 o’clock. After twenty minutes* retirement, th« jurj* found Daley guilty of assault witli intent to commit robbery.