THE DUFFY CASE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 110, 10 May 1902, Page 6

THE DUFFY CASE.

ASSAULT ON A CONSTABLE,

TEN YEARS' HARD LABOUR.

The trial of John Duffy, who pleaded not guilty to four charges of assault, including one of aggravated assault, upon Constable Irwin, was concluded at the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon, before His Honor Mr Justice Conolly.

The jury retired at a quarter to twelve, and returned at half - past three with a verdict of guilty upon all four charges, but recommended prisoner for mercy. His Honor said be did not think they would recommend mercy when they heard accused's record. Mr Reed stated that he had been informed that accused had had an injury to his head, and that when drunk his mental faculties were affected.

His Honor said that he had sentenced accused about four years ago for an assault on Constable Cullinane.

Detective Mcllveney stated that Constable Cullinane had never recovered from the effects of that assault.

His Honor, referring to accused's record, said he had been convicted three or fcur times for assault, and had a long list of convictions recorded against him for breaking a dwelling, drunkenness and obstructing and assaulting the police.

Detective Mcllveney said the police regarded prisoner as a very dangerous man, and one of the worst.

His Honor, in passing sentence, said it appeared to him that accused became like a wild T>east,. and he did not know whether he should not restrain such a -wild beast. Had the constable died, accused would have been tried for murder and hanged. The sentence of the Court was that he be kept to hard labour for ten years.