ALLEGED ATTACK BY POLICE

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26855, 7 October 1952, Page 5

ALLEGED ATTACK BY POLICE

EVIDENCE IN CASE AT WELLINGTON (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. October 6. Allegations that he had been kneed in the back and punched in the stomach by the police until he collapsed were made in the Magistrate’s Court today by Alexander Patrick Kerr, aged 41, of the railway camp at Haywards, who was charged with drunkenness and with having an illegal lottery ticket in his possession. Kerr pleaded guilty to the drunkenness charge ana not guilty to having a lottery ticket. Invited by Mr M. B. Scully, S.M., to cross-examine the police witness, Constable Brodie, Kerr asked: “Why did you use me as a punching ball in the cell and punch me in the stomach until I was in a state of collapse?” Constable Brodie denied touching Kerr, and in reply to another question relating to an alleged incident some hours later said that he was not in the station at the time. Sub-Inspector W. A. Miller suggested that if Kerr had a complaint he should go to the police station and register it, but the Magistrate said that Kerr could give any evidence he liked. It was not necessary for him to make an official complaint. Kerr said: “No, I don’t want to make a complaint. I only thought I would mention it.” He was fined 10s for drunkenness and was convicted and fined £2 for having an illegal lottery ticket.