STRUCK ON HEAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 283, 30 November 1938, Page 15

STRUCK ON HEAD.

WITH BEER GLASS. ASSAULTED IN BAR. " DANGEROUS MAN" FINED. Arrested yesterday afternoon after he had assaulted a barman in a city hotel, Leslie John Walding (29), a labourer, appeared in the Police Court this morning and pleaded guilty. He also admitted another charge of drunkenness. Mr. Aekins represented the prisoner. It was stated 'by Sub-Inspector Fox that at 3.10 yesterday afternoon Walding entered the hotel bar. He was. drunk, and the barman refused to serve him. As the barman was in the act of stooping down behind the bar counter to arrange some bottles, Walding picked up a beer glass and deliberately hit the barman on the top of the head with it. Hie barman's head was cut and he had to receive medical treatment. Fortunately no serious effects were suffered. "However, it was a dastardly thing for Walding to do, and the barman might have been severely injured," added Mr. Fox. "Walding has a bad list of previous convictions, including some for assault. In 1933 for assault causing actual bodily harm he received a three years' sentence. Obviously he is a dangerous man, particularly when he is in liquor." Not Responsible. Mr. Aekins admitted that Walding had a formidable list of previous convictions, but he had not been in trouble since he was released from prison in 1935. For some time he had been working for the Public Works Department in a country camp. A few days ago he came to the city. "This is the case of a man who comes to town and takes tot) much drink, with the result that he is not responsible," said counsel, who asked that Walding be not sent to prison. Walding was fined £7, or three weeks' imprisonment, for the assau'lt, the magistrate directing that one-third of the fine should be paid to the man assaulted. Walding was fined 10/ for being drunk. "The assault was quite a serious matter," said Mr. Orr Walker. "It might have had serious consequences. Apparently this man, when he gets too much drink, cannot control himself."