RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3436, 29 December 1879, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. (Before H. Kenrick, Esq., R.M.) . DBTTSKENHESS. Two persons were charged with this offeuca. They pleaded guilty, saying they had been looked up all night. Discharged with a caution. One person was fined £2 and costs for being drunk and disorderly. ASSAULT. James Howard was charged with assaulting Detective Farrell while in the execution of his duty, on the racecourse, on Saturday last. Mr Dodd, for the defence, pleaded not guilty. Mr Kenny stated the case at giren in the evidence below. He said that at the time of the arrest, the crowd was very much excited and they wished to effect a rescue, which doubtless would ha?e been made, but for Mr Afcllhone and other gentlemen^ whom he now desired publicly to thank.

Detective Farrell deposed—He was on the racecourse on Saturday afternoon. He saw, Howard take up the figfcre of an Aunt Sally, and with a stick commenced to force his way through the crowd, striking out right and left. Witness went up to prevent defendant doing any injury, and was struck on the elbow, causing the blood to flow. Witness then struck defendant between ..the eyes, and then threw the stick into the river. He then came back and arrested defendant, who said, "Mr Furrell, I am sorry I hurt you, I will pay any damages." He of course said he could not accept anything. The crowd was rery much excited, and wished to rescue defendant.

By Mr Dodd—He did not know that the crowd rushed the Aunt Sally. He did not think Howard's head was inside the Aunt Sally's clothes when he struck witness. After he struck defendant, the latter cams up and asked why he was struck. Witness arrested defendant after this.

By Mr Kenny—The blow was delirered intentionally. The defendant then made a statement to the effect that he was assisting tho keeper of the Aunt Sally to got the old lady out of the crowd, and ho got her petticoats over his head. He endearored to clear a way by brandishing a stick and might hare accidentally struck plaintiff on the arm. He did not know who he was. Detectire'Farreli struck him three times in the face. His Worship dismissed the case. ANOTHEa CASE.

Tati, a tall young natire, was charged with unlawfully assaulting one W. Loder, better known as "• Stuttering Billy." Defendant, who was defended by Mr Dodd, pleaded not guilty. The eridence of the plaintiff and his witnesses was to the effect that, while baring a drink at the Shortland Hotel, he was struck in the face by defendant without prorocation. Defendant and his witnesses did not deny an assault, but deposed that plaintiff had called defendant a •' taurikarika "

His Worship held the assault prored, and fined defendant 10s and costs. Court adjourned.