CITY HOLD-UP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 139, 14 June 1932, Page 5

CITY HOLD-UP.

TWO SUSPECTS FOR TRIAL. EVIDENCE OF IDENTIFICATION STATEMENTS AFTER ARRESTS. After the evidence of 17 witnesses had been heard, Francis John Peckham, a Fijian, and a fireman, and William Keougli, a native of Ireland, and a seaman, were yesterday committed for trial on the charge of robbing Richard Thomas Dias of £100, the property of Parkinson and Company, Limited, and with using personal violence. The two accused were arrested following the hold-up in Victoria Street just before mid-day on May 27. Messrs. 11. T. King and L. S. Rickcrby, J.P.'s, were on the bench. Detective Sergeant Kelly prosecuted, and both accused were represented by counsel. "Sun on Their Faces." Joseph Butler, labourer, said he was walking up Victoria Street and when near an empty shop on the city side of Parkinson's saw a white man rush across the footpath at another man, who was walking along by the shops. Detective Sergeant Kelly: Is that man in Court ?—I couldn't say. Detective Sergeant Kelly: If your Worships please I would like the wit-/ ncss to be sent outside the Court for a minute or two. I will give my reason when he is outside. The Bench granted the request and when the witness left the Court Mr. Kelly said the two accused were sitting in Court with the sun shining on their faces. He suggested that they should occupy some other position to give the witness a reasonable chance to identify them. When brought in again the witness identified Peckham as one of the assailants of the man whom he afterwards learned was Dias. Peckham held Dias while the white man went through his insido pocket and took what looked like bundles of paper. Many silver coins were spilled on the footpath. Witness saw Peckham and the other man then clear off in a blue motor car, the white man standing on the running board. Other evidence of identification was given. Arrest of Accused. Dctective Ed ward Albert Stevenson said that on the niglit of May 27 lie and Detective Packman interviewed Peckham at a house in Day Street, Newton. Peckham was asked if he knew anything about an assault and robbery upon Mr. Dias. Peckham said, "I don't know what you arc talking about. That is the first I have heard of it." Witness and Detective Packman searched l'eckham's room and the only money found was ]/. Peckham was then arrested, taken to the police station and charged with vagrancy. Accused pleaded not guilty and reserved their defence. Tho chargcs of vagrancy were adjourned sine die.