TO STAND TRIAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 80, 16 January 1936, Page 3

TO STAND TRIAL

ALLEGATION OF WOUNDING.

WELLINGTON ASSAULT CASE.

(Per Presa Association). WELLINGTON, January 15. James .Logie, alias Kelly, aged 33, a labourer, was charged to-day with wounding Charles Crooke on January 9 and 10 with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Mrs Paynter, a housemaid at the Columbia HoteL said she noticed cuts on Crooke and saw him washing a shirt in the bathroom. He refused attention for his wounds.

Mrs Rowntree (proprietress of the hotel) gave evidence that Logic was looking for "Charlie," who was a friend of his! She told him Crooke had gone out, and the accused left, but returned later. She threatened to call the police if he did not keep away. Logic had had liquor, but was not drunk. A taxi-driver named Taylor said that the accused engaged him at Vivian Street about 1.40 p.m. on the Friday. He drove him first to Epuni Street, and then to the hospital. The accused asked him to inquire at the hospital if Crooke was there, and when it was reported that he had been sent home, the accused instructed him to go to the Columbia Hotel and ask for Crooke. Two men came out of the hotel and the accused stayed outside at a parked motor-car. As the men went to their own car the accused threw two stones at one of the men, who ran round the car and seized a jack handle. Alter that the witness drove the accused back to Vivian Street. ,

Alter Logie had pleaded not , guilty and was committed for trial, bail was sought. The Magistrate asked; what was behind the case, upon which Mr Hardie Boys, who was watching the case in the interests of Crooke, said: "He instructs me specifically to advise the Court that lie is in no fear of the accused. There has been a boiling over of some foolish sort."

The Magistrate said there was something hidden.' After argument he allowed bail, but said it would be substantial. He fixed bail at £2OO, with sureties.