WHARF ASSAULT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 98, 28 April 1938, Page 26

WHARF ASSAULT.

MAN STRUCK WITH BOTTLE.

SHIP'S FIREMAN FINED £4. An incident on the King's wharf on Tuesday night led to the arrest of John Lewis Hiirrell, aged 20, a ship's fireman, charged with assaulting Charles (iuy Desmaraies so as to cause him net mil bodily harm. Sub-Inspector Fox suggested that the charge might be reduced to one of common assault, as Desmaraies was not so seriously injured as was at first thought. Hurrell entered a plea of guilty when the charge was reduced. Both men, added Mr. Fox, were firemen on the ship Port Donison. Last night Desmaraies was walking along the wharf to his ship when he was overtaken by Hurrell, who put an arm around him. Both walked some distance in this manner. Each had some liquor, but they were not drunk. Hurrell took a bottle of beer from Desmaraies' pocket and hit him on the head with it, smashing the bottle. Desmaraies was taken to hospital, where it was found necessary to insert six stitches in the wound.

"When seen by Constable Hotham, accused !»aid that the next time he would murder the ," said Mr. Fox. "He also alleged that complainant had been too friendly with his wife."

Sub-Tnspector Fox also said the Port Denison was leaving Auckland to-mor-row. Hurrell had £."> due to him as wages on board.

Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.. fined Hurrell £4 and ordered that half the fine should go to Desmaraies.