SEAMAN'S ARREST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 10, 12 January 1940, Page 4

SEAMAN'S ARREST.

OBSTRUCTED CONSTABLE.

PRISON FOR ONE MONTH.

In trying to save his companion from being arrested for drunkenness in Victoria Street yesterday afternoon, a seaman, Frank RatcliflTe, aged 30, was arrested himself. This morning he was sent to prison for obstructing a constable.

Ratcliffo denied charges of obstructing Constable J. J. Couper while in the execution of his duty, and mischief by wilfully damaging the constable's wristwatch hand to the extent of lfi/, but hi? admitted a charge of resisting the same constable.

Constable Cotiper said he had arrested a drunken man at 3.15 p.m. in Victoria Street yesterday, when Ratcliffe caught the drunk by the arin. Although warned he refused to go away, and got between witness and his prisoner ns ho was placing the latter in the taxi. "Accused then caught hold of me and put the l>oot in," added Constable Couper. "I dodged hi* kicks, but got 0110 or two on my shuns. We both -fell over and I headlocked, and afterwards handcuffed him with assistance. Meanwhile the drunk loft the taxi and ho has not been seen since."

Ratcllffe, who denied in evidence that he obstructed the constable, was sentenced to one month's imprison men t on the obstruction charge. He was convicted and discharged on the other two counts.