ASSAULT CHARGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 200, 25 August 1933, Page 3

ASSAULT CHARGE.

INCIDENT IN NIGHT.

STOREKEEPER'S INJURY.

WIFE RUSHED TO RESCUE.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

PALMERSTON N., this day

As a sequel to the early morning incident at Ilimataugi store on July 1, Lindsay Edist Edward Garner, aged 21, panel beater, was charged before justices of the peace that, with another person unknown, he assaulted Christian Martin Sorenson, storekeeper, with intent to rob him. Sorenson stated in evidence that at 1.30 a.m. he was disturbed by knocking at his door. In answer to an inquiry as to who was there, he was told that petrol was wanted. Witness dressed and found two men outside. He supplied two gallons of petrol. One of the men asked for a light to sec to put oil into the car. AVitness brought out a lighted candle from the- shop and was holding it for the men, when suddenly witness received a terrible blow on the back of the head. The bigger man of the two grabbed him under the arms and held him. He also waited j.o gag him. Witness added that he tried to call out, but a hand was held over his mouth and blood was running down his face, lie heard someone say, "Give him another blow." Witness was again struck, and lost his senses until he found himself stumbling back to the shop counter. He saw his wife in the doorway of the room. There were two men- in the shop. One of them said to Mrs. Sorenson, "We want some money," and asked for the till. Witness pointed it out, but it was empty. Witness heard one man say, "She's gone." He saw that his wife had left and the men then quickly got into a car and drove away. Accused, who conducted hie own defence, cross-examined witness. The latter could not say whether accused was one of the men. Dr. Wyllic, in evidence, said the blow must have been a severe one, and delivered with some solid instrument. Mrs. Soreneon stated in evidence that when she heard her husband cry out she went into the shop and eaw a man, who told her to go to bed. On rushing to the telephone, witness found it gone. She then saw both men in the shop. Witness took the number of the car outside and entered it in the day book! A few minutes after accused came in he picked up the book, looked at it, raised'his hand threateningly and demanded money of which witness said she had none. Accused called to his companion to fetch a gun, but witness did not sec it. Her husband then staggered in, and witness quietly slipped out. On July 20 witness identified accused from among 13 men as one of the two who visited the store. She had no doubt concerning the identity of accused. He wae the taller of the two men.

(Proceeding.)