POLICE COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 112, 14 May 1925, Page 10

POLICE COURT.

(Before Messrs. A. J. Stratford and W. L. Feldon, J.P.'s.) A STREET ASSAULT When charged with assaulting Arthur George Parker by striking him in the face with his clenched fist, Thomas Smith (38) pleaded guilty under provocation. Parker, I he complainant, said that he was at a theatre yesterday. After leaving the theatre ho was walking down Queen Street when accused approached him from behind, and without any warning struck witness a bard blow on the face.

Accused: Didn't you try to help, my wife to put her coat on in the street'; — No.

Sergeant Calwell said that while on duty in Queen Street yesterday afternoon he observed complainant walking jttsl in front of him. The accused came up and struck Parker on the face. Parker was lifted off his feet and fell on the footpnth, being dazed for a few minutes. Accused, when arrested by witness, said. "That will teach him to talk to my wife again."

Accused stated from the dock that Parker bad been sneaking to bis wife in .1 theatre, and alleged that he had sat down beside her nnd nnnoved her.

Mrs. Smith, giving evidence, said that Parker was a pest to her. She generally went to the theatre with two other women, nnd she alleged that complainant always sat beside her and spoke to her.

Seninr-Sergennt Edwards: Hnvc you encouraged him? —\o. I just talked to him. Sometimes he offered us lollies.

Accused was fined £.'!. half the amount of the fine to rro to complainant, whose clothes were damaged to the extent of 30/.