Police Intervention Puzzles Magistrate

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30366, 15 February 1964, Page 14

Police Intervention Puzzles Magistrate

(New Zealand Press Association) . WELLINGTON, February 14. Allegations that a constable used a truncheon on a youth were discounted by Mr R. D. Jamieson, S.M., when evidence was completed in a case in the Magistrate’s Court at Wellington today.

Earlier in the hearing he had requested an inquiry into witnesses’ allegations that a truncheon had been used. The Court was hearing charges against James Watchman, aged . 21, a student teacher, of disorderly behaviour and of obstructing Sergeant William. Brien in the execution of his duty. Arising out of the same set of circumstances —a police visit to a party at Kelburn on February fl—there were charges against other persons, but only one other case was heard today. The remainder were adjourned to next Friday. After hearing the evidence the Magistrate dismissed both charges against Watchman. Referring to the allegations of the use of a truncheon on another member of the party, he said he was abundantly satisfied that the constable did not strike anyone with

his baton. It may have been drawn as a demonstration of force. A charge of disorderly behaviour brought against Catherine Mary McKinnon was dismissed. During the hearing of the case against McKinnon the Magistrate said: “I am at a loss after hearing the evidence in these two cases and not finding anything in the evidence to justify concern on the part of the police, or why it was necessary to send five constables, a black maria and a oolice dog to this party.’’ Sergeant M. L. Mcßae, a witness: Our first information was that a constable was having difficulty in clearing a gate-crashing party and was in danger of being overwhelmed.