SUPREME COURT AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Fine of $3OO imposed Within 10 minutes of being found guilty by a jury in the Supreme Court yesterday, Robert Neville Harper, aged 121, a part-time pump attendant, was fined $3OO by the Chief Justice (Sir Richard Wild) on a charge of aggravated assault on Constable Rodger Keith Millard on June 19 with intent to injure him. Harper was given a year in which to pay the fine. Evidence was given that the accused threatened to run Constable Millard down and a short time later drove his car at him as he was standing on the road. Harper, who pleaded not guilty to alternative charges of aggravated assault and common assault, was represented by Mr E. T. Higgins. Mr N. W. Williamson appeared for the Crown. The trial began on Tuesday. The jury deliberated for 45 minutes.
Mr Higgins said it was clear the the accused had a hot temper. He had made a real effort to overcome his problem and it was unfortunate that he had lost his temper on this occasion, although there was no serious result. Harper was married, with one child, and his wife was pregnant. He had lost his job as a driver and had a parttime job as a pump attendant, Mr Higgins said. “Harper, it is disappointing to find that at the age of 21 you are in this court for the first time,” his Honour said. “You will see from this trial what a jury thinks of your defiant and truculent behaviour which has brought you here. “The jury and I did not know that you have been before the Magistrate’s Court on a number of occasions for theft, false pretences, assault, and even perjury. It shows' how fair our system of justice is that none of your offences is disclosed until you have been tried and convicted by a jury. “A redeeming feature is that you have kept out of trouble for a year. “This was a stupid piece of defiance which I hope will not be repeated. You have got to get a proper job and settle down,” said his Honour.
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Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32677, 5 August 1971, Page 15
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355SUPREME COURT AGGRAVATED ASSAULT Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32677, 5 August 1971, Page 15
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