A LAMENTABLE CASE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 267, 12 November 1887, Page 5

A LAMENTABLE CASE.

EESULT OF A DRUNKEN SPREE,

At the Police Court this morning a man named James McKinnon was called upon to answer a charge of drunkenness and assault of an extraordinary character. It appeared from the statement made in Court by Sergeant Gamble that the prisoner was a fireman, who undertook to take a small steamer from Auckland to the other coast for a sum of money. He left hie wife and family totally unprovided for and was absent for five weeks. On returning with his pay he spent the money in drinking, and went home with two or three companions on Prince of Wales' Birthday night. There was a young man named Livingstone in the house, and also a neighbour named Mrs Purchas. McKinnon at once commenced to thrash his wife, butted her with his head, knocked her down, and then turned her and the children out of the house. Hβ locked himself and some others inside, and some drinking was indulged in. The wife and family took refuge'with their neighbours until yesterday, when the prisoner, was arrested on the present oharge. A constable, when on duty, saw McKinnon rush at a young man named Livingstone and butt him in the face with his head, and cut the young 'mans cheek. On being placed under arrest he resisted most violently, and was taken to. the station with the greatest difficulty, several civilians assisting. At the Police Court this morning McKinnon pleaded drunkenness in extenuation of his offence, and was ordered to prison for three months.