CHARGES OF ASSAULT.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1920, Page 8

CHARGES OF ASSAULT.

INCIDENT IN DEVON STREET. SHIPS FIREMAN CONVICTED.

Particulars of a street brawl were •Ventilated in the New Plymouth Court yesterday, when William McDermott, J ship's fireman, was charged with assaulting R. P. Hogue on October sth. McDermott had been iu custody since the date okthe assault awaiting Hogue's discharge from hospital. Sub-Inspector Hufcton conducted the prosecution, and Mr. C. H. Croker appeared for accused. Raphael James Hogue, horse trainer, said that on October 5 he was in company with McDermott, and they had drinks together. At six o'clock the party of about six left the hotel, and stood talking outside a fish shop, witness haying his hands in his pockets. He did not remember receiving any blow or any other occurrence till he awoke the following morning. He then felt sore, and was bleeding from both ears. A policeman called on him and took him to receive medical attention; he was ordered to the hospital, and remained there three weeks. Medical expenses were incurrrd amounting to £lO 9s Gd. To Mr. Croker- While standing outside the shop they had a few words about the war. Accused had had more drink than was necessary, but was fairly steady. ! Another member of the party, Daniel i Yore, said he was pushed into a doorway, and after that Hogue was knocked down. Previous to this they were all conversing, and there was no provocation. He did not know who struck himself or Hogue. Leo Sim said that on the evening of October 5 ho saw a group of men in Central Devon Street. Two of them, Hogue and Yore, were lying on the footpath. McDermott was shaping up, standing over them with his arm bent. Ho heard McDermott say: "Where are these New Zealanders ?" McDermott picked up Hogue and hit him, and the 'assaulted man fell heavily; he was fair!ly drunk. A woman approached wit- | ness and said Hogue had been killed, i Witness went to the scene, and saw | I Hogue was Weeding from the ears McDermott and another fellow were walk-

ing in the direction of the A.M.P. Buildings when witness and another man stopped ihem until the police arrived. Hogue seemed to be sobered up a good deal then, and appeared to be concerned about Hogue'.? condition. Patrick Raill gave evidence as to seeing McDermott striking Hogue and Yore, after picking them up off the ground.

Other witnes=es were Constable Had lor and Dr. Walker.

His Worship said the part he did not like about the occurrence was that McDermott had gone back and hit Rogue. In view of the fact that the accused had already been a moiilh in gaol he would be convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon; accused not to be called up for sentence if he paid medical and witnesses' expenses, totalling £l2 10s Od.