Judge On Lack Of Help For Police

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30802, 14 July 1965, Page 14

Judge On Lack Of Help For Police

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, July 13.

“Too often there have been instances of one or two constables left to struggle unaided in the midst of an ugly brawl while numerous bystanders have not only failed to help, but have been prepared to gather about in order to watch the affair as a sort of entertainment,” said Mr Justice Woodhouse in a reserved judgment in the Supreme Court in Auckland today.

He dismissed an appeal by Murray John Pascoe against a conviction of failing to assist the police. A further appeal against conviction on a charge of obstructing the police was upheld.

“Public-spirited citizens do mt need to be encouraged in heir duty by legislation, but ithers should know that a failure to meet a proper call for help by a police officer involves the commission of an iffence, and one which is unlikely to receive much sympathy from the court if it is nade the subject of a charge.” said Mr Woodhouse. A Brawl The incident occurred in in Auckland suburb at 1 am. vhen two constables were struggling to arrest two men if ter a brawl. He was satisfied that the ippellant and his brother tad been b'eckoned by a constable, that he had deliber-

ately persuaded his brother (not to render assistance, and that, although he may have misunderstood the request, his gesture and words amounted to inciting or counselling the brother to commit the offence, said Mr Woodhouse. In these circumstances, he would be guilty as a party to the crime.