DANCE HALL FRACAS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29488, 14 April 1961, Page 20

DANCE HALL FRACAS

“Gang Went To Cause Trouble” Before a serious fracas broke out at the Scottish Society’s Hall in Edgeware road when a dance was being held on Saturday. March 4 a party was held at the home of John Maea Fonotea, aged 18, who was the ringleader in the disturbance, said Sergeant E. S. Tuck in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when Fonotea pleaded guilty to charges of escaping from lawful custody. unlawful assembly, and obscene language. He was remanded in custody to April 20 for a probation officer’s report and sentence. He was represented by Mr D. J. Hewitt. At 10.15 p.m. the police were called to the hall where the Intermediate Loyal Orange Lodge was holding a public dance. Sergeant Tuck said. When the police arrived a fight was taking place on the dance floor. Fonotea and another youth were arrested on a charge of disorderly behaviour and were removed from the hall. When Fonotea was taken into custody he was fighting and struggling among the dancers on the floor. Outside the hall he became violent when attempts were made to put him in the patrol car. He punched Constable Ruston in the face and stomach. Constable Dailey, who was also assisting, was kicked in the groin by Fonotea. Constable Elliott received punches to the body. While the police were struggling with Fonotea he was calling out obscene language. Police Obstructed

The police were considerably hampered by about 20 youths whose continued obstruction led to other arrests. While these arrests were being made, Fonotea escaped from custody. While being placed in the car and when ■ fhside it. Fonotea kicked and tore at the vehicle. He managed to open the door and jump out. During a further struggle he ripped the external rear vision mirror from its mounting, strained and dented both rear doors, and scored the outside bodywork ’ and scratched the upholstery. Damage amounted to £4 ss. Before going to the dance, Fonotea held a party at his home which was attended by a number of youths who were appearing on offences arising from the fracas at the dance. Fonotea led the gang of youths from his home across the road to the dance hall, and was the ring leader in the fracas. “It was while the party was taking place at Fonotea’s home that the youths agreed to go across to the dance hall to cause trouble,” Sergeant Tuck said. A more serious breach of the peace would certainly have occurred if it had not been for the timely arrival of the police, who had great difficulty in restoring order. About J5OO persons were attending the dance, which had to be closed by the police. Fonotea also pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl aged 15, the theft of three mattresses. valued at £1 10s, the property of the Presbyterian Bible Class Association, and wilful damage of a window. He was remanded to April 20 for sentence.