CANDOUR APPRECIATED.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 363, 18 February 1937, Page 4

CANDOUR APPRECIATED.

But Apologies Don’t Mend Black Eyes.

Appreciating his candid admission of guilt and taking into account the submissions of counsel, Mr. W. H. Woodward S.M., convicted and fined Evelyn William O’Keeffe £5 in the Stratford police court yesterday, and he was charged with assaulting Arthur Edward Sayers. It was ordered that half the fine be paid to the victim of the assault.

Sergeant C. M. Anniss taid that the charge arose out of circumstances narrated in proceedings heard during the day against William Mason. Sayers was speaking to Mrs. Mumby when he was suddenly seized from behind and assaulted. He was struck several blows by O’Keeffe and received bruises as well as a black eye. Next day defendant felt sorry and apologised. He said he had liquor and had since taken out a prohibition order. Mr. N. H. Moss said he was instructed that when the assault occurred O'Keeffe Was waiting to take his wife home. Sober he was a goodhearted working citizen. The assault. was a mad act done under the influence of liquor. Apparently he did not know that the man he struck was Sayers. He denied kicking Sayers. No one regretted more than the defendant did. “Apologies don’t mend black eyes," commented Mr. Woodward. In entering a conviction the Magistrate said that the assault was- altounprovoked. However the defendant had mace a clean breast ot it. "You have got to cut this out O’Keeffe," said Mr. Woodward.