GARRQTING IN VICTORIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 179, 29 July 1907, Page 2

GARRQTING IN VICTORIA.

VICTIM MAT.TpF.ATTgHj AKD CULPRIT CAUGHT.

A most audacious attack was made at 1 a m on July 20, upon Mr. Charles C. Tippet, of Leopold-street, Soutn Yarra, who was seized by the throat, half choked, knocked down, and otherwise maltreated by a man who had followed him from the city, and who robbed Mm of a watch and chain, sovereign case and medal, of a total value of *£20. Mr. Tippet, who is a linotype operator, in relating the fact* fcading up to the assault upon him, said that at 11.30 pjn. he went into an oyster ssioon, where he casually conversed with a tali, well set up young man, who was there. At 12.30 he left to go home, and^ha^ing-missed his tram, decided to take a. cab. The stranger said he also liv«d in the same direction, and asked to ba*llawed to share the cab. Mr. Tippet agreed, and they arranged' •to pay 2/ each. The stranger alighted with Mr. Tippett, remarking that he would himself walk the rest of his way home. He inquired the whereabouts of Toorakroad, and as ha seemed hazy concerning thf. direction, Mr. Tippet -walked with him. When close to Toorak-road, ths stranger suddenly canght Mr. Tippet by the throat, threw Mm down, and pressing his knees upon him, began to belabour hfm. with his fists about the head, blackening his victim's eye and otherwise injuring him. The fellow then j snatched Mr. Tippef s watch r4iaii ; and, j tearing the chain and watch away, left J the bar and two link-g behind. He then rushed down a right of way to Parkstreet, and along Park-street to Toorakroad, -where he passed a constable, to whom lie remarked, " It's a cold morning, constable." In a few moments iir. Tippet, having recovered from the effects of the ill-usage to which he had been subjected was seen by the constable hiirying in the same direction as the affable stranger had taken, and calling " Police! " Both set out after the thief, who, however, had got well out of sight, and they could find no traces of him. However, the outrage was promptly rejiorted at St. Kilda-road police station.

Inspector Gleeson at once instructed Detective Sexton to take the matter in hand. Obiainimr the services of Constables McLoughlin, Lloyd, Croft, and Klnsella. the detective visited the house of a fishmonger named Robert Smith, and with Constahle Lloyd knocked at the front door, the other constables guarding the back. A man who answered the knock said he would tell Smith he was wanted

Disturbed by the early morning call of the police. Smith armed himself with an axe and rushed out the back door, Constable Kinsella. stationed at one of the back gates, flashed a dazzling from an electric bullseye lantern in his face, and called on him to stand. Smith, hesitated for a moment, and Constable Croft darted across from anotner gate and disarmed him. He was then in bis night attire, and was escorted back into his bedroom, ■where he was interrogated by Detective Sexton and Senior Con stable O'Loughlin as to his movements earlier in the night. Smith at first complained of having been attacked by garrotters on St. Kilda~r&ad whilst TraJkiiig out from town. Finally he gave Way, and owned up to having- attacked and robbed Mr. Tippet, and he added that he had buried the jeweUevy in a rijjnt of ■way near Mfllswyn-straet, Dctet>tive Sexton and Constable McLongnlin accompanied Smith to the place indicated, and there they found all tie missing property.