BROTHERS FINED

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21367, 11 March 1941, Page 2

BROTHERS FINED

ASSAULT AT NAPIER TAR AND HORSEHAIR NIGHT ATTACK SEQUEL (By Telegraph.—-Press Association) HASTINGS, Monday Four brothers, Ronald, Walter, Douglas and Percy Watson, appeared before Mr J. Millar, S.M., in Napier Police Court today charged with assaulting John Picone, a young man of Italian descent, by tarring and feathering him at Meeanee near Napier on the morning of February 24. Ronald Watson was further charged with assaulting John Picone at Marewa on the same date. Mr J. Mason appeared for Ronald Watson and the other accused were represented by Mr C. W. Nash, pleas of not guilty being entered on all charges. A novel feature of the case was the defence’s application of the violation of “an unwritten law” as ground for provocation and justification of the assault. John Picone said he had known the Watson brothers for 12 years. Walter Watson called at his home at 3 a.m. on February 24, saying that a boat was sinking at Port Ahuriri. He dressed, went out to the front of the house and entered a car driven by Percy Watson. As the car moved off a rope was thrown around his neck and he was dragged into the back of the vehicle. His gumboots were removed and his legs tied. Tied With Rope Describing the incident at Meeanee Picone said that he was undressed by Ronald and Walter Watson. His body was then tarred, after which horsehair was applied by Ronald Watson, while Walter Watson held the rope with which he was trussed. After Picone had been allowed tel- 1 fix his clothing the party returned'’- to Marewa and Ronald Watson went into the house and returned with his (Watson’s) wife. In her presence Picone denied that he had been about Watson’s home at 2 a.m., but admitted that he had taken Mrs Watson to the pictures on a Saturday afternoon. Cross-examined by Mr Mason Picone admitted that he was separated from his own wife for persistent cruelty. He did not think there was any harm in his being round the house. He did not think that his action would affect the good name of Mrs Watson. Mr Nash: I put it to you that you realised that you had got nothing more than you deserved? Picone: I do not know what it is all about. To Senior-Detective H. Nuttall witness said he was at Watson’s home by invitation. “John had a face of blood all over,” said Nacomeo Catalda. “He said, ‘My face is nothing. You had better look below,’ ” continued witness, who said he had washed complainant in a bucket of crude oil. Constable J. R. Williamson said that Ronald Watson had approached him intimating his intention with regard to Picone. Witness said he advised the defendant not to proceed with his plans. He had also said that Picone was New Zealand-born. Dr. W. D. Fitzgerald said that Picone showed signs of having beer, a victim of recent violence. Twc black eyes, abrasions to the face ant marks on his neck were consistent with his allegations. The paralysi: from which the victim suffered woul» have prevented him from defendin: himself. In evidence, Ronald Watson sai< that as a result of a conversation be tween neighbours he had overhear he decided to see Picone. Walter an Percy went with him. Penalties Imposed “He was a cripple and I could n. hit him,” said witness. “I decide that we might tar and feather hin. While he was getting it off he migl. think about it.” Witness admitted that he hi Picone several times. The charge against Douglas Watson was thrown out, while the othe. defendants were convicted. Ronali Watson was fined £5 on the secont charge and on the other charge wa: ordered to come up for sentence n called on within J 2 months. Waltei and Percy Watson were fined £5 and £3 respectively. LETTER FROM THE BOYS ! • Ilf’s nail terrible 'desert throat’ . . . Lut it’s belter: lie took the iMiliinmas you Sent Yes: l'u|uiona- give instant rebel jiy two-way treatment inhalation through tin- breathing passage' ami ah -urpiMiii through the bloodstream. I*nl monas never fail. Pulmona- prevent llu . . . soothing, penetrating, effective. All