ANOTHER MAN CHARGED

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28748, 20 November 1958, Page 6

ANOTHER MAN CHARGED

Second Robbery • Alleged J Lying on the ground bleeding land vomiting after being beaten \up and robbed by four men. a Dutch seaman was assaulted and : robbed again by the accused in a (“mopping-up operation.’’ said the 'Crown Prosecutor (Mr C. M. (Roper) when Samuel Marsden i Hopkinson appeared on trial in j the Supreme Court yesterday beIfore Mr Justice Adams and a jury : The accused, a freezing worker (aged 21, was charged with robbing Otto Methorst of a cigarette lighter, and alternatively with assault with intent to rob. and common assault. He pleaded not guilty and was represented by Mr P. G. S. Perilin.gton. Mr Roper said that at a party I in a Manchester street house •Methorst was lured outside by ■a girl and then set upon by four ] men. He was beaten up and his money and personal belongings stolen or strewn about the gar- ' den. After the four men had left ihim lying on the ground Hopkinison came up and helped him (to his feet. The accused said to Methorst: “Have you got anv (money, mate?” and then hit him 'in the face. Leaning Methorst against a wall Hopkinson hit him again and took his raincoat. He; threw the coat back to Methorst! when he was told it had been! given to him by his mother. The accused then went through his pockets, took out a cigarette! lighter and remarked: “Well, .that's something." Explanation by Accused Later in the house Methorst pointed out Hopkinson to the .police as his assailant, Mr Roper 'said. The accused told the police .he had not been to the back 'of the house. He said he went (outside to look for a friend whom Ihe found fighting with Methorst When he intervened he was struck (by Methorst. Later he had seen a fight at the rear of the house iand found the lighter on the ! ground. | Hopkinson faced what might 'well be an unanswerable case, Mr i Roper _addcd. I The trial will continue this (morning.