OBSTRUCTING POLICE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 170, 20 July 1910, Page 8

OBSTRUCTING POLICE.

THE HOBSON-STREET AFFAIR. THREE ACCUSED IMPRISONED. In the Police Court yesterday afternoon the hearing of the charges against several young men in respect of their conduct as members of a disorderly crowd in Habson-street on Thursday night, was concluded. During the disturbance, which arose out of a constable's attempt to arrest a drunken man, the same constable was severely manhandled, a«d finally the prisoner was taken from his custody.

William Ritcb.es, tfhe man arrested in the first instance, was charged with drunkenness, obscene language, with assaulting the const-able, and with damaging this uniform. He pleaded "Guilty" on all counts.

Emanuel !Newton was charged with having assaulted Constable Power, and further, with, having assaulted the constable in the execution of his duty. He pleaded ''Not Guilty."

John Murton and Angus Fletcher "were charged -with having incited persons to obstruct Constable Power in the execution of his duty. They also pleaded "Not Guilty."

Mr C. E. Matthews (for Mr J. R. Lundon) appeared for Riches, Newton, and Fletcher. Mr W. £. Hackett appeared for Murton.

■When the case for the prosecution was concluded, Mr Hackett iirged that thero was not sufficient evidence against Murton to shift the onus of proof to the defence, and asked that the charge as against Mutton 'be withdrawn.

Tha Magistrate said that the only evidence against him was that of the constable, and that the story he told was not inconsistent with the supposition that Muxton had been merely foolish and weakminded, and under those circumstances his Worship -would not care to convict. Murton Tvas therefore disoharjred.

Angus Fletcher said that he was a shepherd usually resident at Mangawoka. He had come to town for a holiday the day before the occurrence. Before that he had known Bitches slightly, and Newton he met for the first time that day. Had never been in trouble of any kind before, and he was a complete stranger in Auckland. He first came into the riot -when the constable had arrested Bitches. Hitches was struggling violently, and witness said, "Go quiet, Bill." The consta-ble said to him, "Go away," and •witness wont to the back of the crowd. Thereafter lie did not interfere.

Newton was convicted of assault and obstruction and Fletcher on the charge of inciting to obstruct.

Hitches and Newton were sentenced to imprisonment for three months with •haTd labour, and Fletcher to imprisonment for one month.