MAN WITH REVOLVER

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 10322, 8 March 1930, Page 3

MAN WITH REVOLVER

Lover Annoys and Threatens Girl. MUST LEAVE AUCKLAND. Auckland, March 7 "If accused is not placed under restraint, I am afraid there will be a murder charge,” declared the Rev. A. V. Whiting, Congregational minister at New Lynn, when James Alfred Essex Grundy stood in the Police Court, dock to-day. It was stated of accused that he had been before the court about 15 months ago, when it had been suggested that he was annoying a girl, and had followed her about with a revolver. He was charged to-day with committing mis-

chief by wilfully damaging a window belonging to Joseph Taylor to the extent of 7s 6d. There was a second count of breaking and entering Taylor’s bouse on February 5 and stealing letters and photographs valued

;tt •-'/'">. and belonging to the girl involved in the earlier (-a.se. The charge was reduced to theft, and Mr Vallaiice entered pleas of guilty on both chiii-Ken. (Jnindy, a labourer, aged --. was given his chance of leaving the town or going to gaol. He assured Mr F. \V. Hunt. S.M., that he would adopt (lie former course. Grundy was described by DetectiveSergeant Kelly as a nuisance. He had broken into the house where the girl lived and stolen letters and photographs, which he afterward produced in front of her. More than a year ;iR(i lie had been up for annoying the same girl, and threatening her wit.li a revolver. He had threatened to throw himself over Grafton Bridge if the girl would not marry him. The Magistrate: I remember, t bound him over for 12 mouths, and lie did as I suggested, and left town. Wben his time was mi he rntnniprl

Mr Vallanee explained that accused had returned on account of illness in the family. He had met the girl in the street liy accident and acted foolishly. The accused: I never threatened (lie girl. The revolver xvas for nivself. Counsel: It was an old xveapon, and out of order. The Rev. A. V. Whiting, who had stepped up from the body of the court, stated that the, weapon had been fully loaded. “I say the same noxv as I did 15 months ago.” he said. “Unless accused is put under restraint. xve shall have a murder charge. The girl is terrified.” The Magistrate; Yon can go away or go to gaol. Cnuidy. 1 Accused, promptly; J shall go axvay. Grundy was convicted and ordered to come ni) for sentence xvitliin 12 inonths if called upon. If he stays in Auckland, it xvill mean (hat he will get six months.” the magistrate added. There was also tin application by the girl for sureties of the peace against, accused, and the magistrate hound him over in one surety of £IOO. "That is equivalent to giving him six months, as he can’t find surety.” counsel commented. The Magistrate: I can't help that.