VIOLENCE ALLEGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 8, 10 January 1929, Page 9

VIOLENCE ALLEGED.

WATERFRONT EPISODES.

THREE YOUNG MEN CHARGED

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

Cyril Kevan McKenna (21) and John Siddens (18), labourers, appeared at the Police Court this morning before Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., on two charges of rob bery with violence.

Both offences were alleged to have been committed on the Auckland waterfront on the night of December 10. Jointly the men were charged with robbing Frederick Joseph Kneebone of his hat and wristlet watch, of a total value of £6 10/, and Walter Easton of an overcoat, a hat, 4/ti in money, and a watch valued at £5 4/0.

Evidence was given by the two complainants to show there had been no provocation, although fists were freely used. Ea*ton had been invited by a man. whom he said he recognised' as McKenna, to have a drink and to go for a walk. These invitations he did not wish to accept, and he was then assaulted. From the Albert wharf, where complainant was at the time, the easiest way of escape was by a vehicular ferry boat. After a struggle he got clear of his assailants and journeyed to Devonport. Later he returned to Auckland and reported to the police that he had been robbed by violence.

The second episode, in which F. J. Kneebone was concerned, took place in the vicinity of Albert wharf about 10.30 p.m. Kneebone said there was first a request for a cigarette, which was produced, and then Siddens entered into conversation with him and suggested a walk on the wharf. It was not long before a third man arrived on the scene, and Kneebone, saying he must go and catch a boat, was suddenly assaulted and hit on the eye. The blow, he said, was struck by McKenna, with whom he struggled for a time near the old dock site. Getting free of his assailant he called the assistance of the Harbour Board's gatekeeper on the Prince's wharf,, and the two men ran off. They were caught by the efforts of two gatekeepers, and McKenna was found to be in possession of three hats. Some of the other articles were recovered later. At the conclusion of the evidence Mr. J. J. Sullivan entered a plea of not guilty for both accused, and they were committed to the Supreme Court for trial.