STABBED HIS SHIPMATE

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 253, 9 July 1926, Page 12

STABBED HIS SHIPMATE

AN AMERICAN SAILOR IN COURT “If this man is kept in New Zealand, Your Worship, he will only’ be an expense to the Government, so under the circumstances I suggest that the present charge be reduced to one of common assault, so that he can be dealt with by this Court now. He is one of the crew of the West Conob, and his boat sails on Saturday. He could be placed aboard before the vessel leaves.” These remarks were made by bubItispector Harvev in the Magistrate’s Court vesterday when referring to Ed’win Wutke, an American sailor, who stood in tlie dock on the charge of assaulting Charles Tribueros, so as to cause him actual bodily harm. On the Magistrate agreeing with the subinspcctor, the charge was then reduced to one of common assault. Sub-Inspector Harvey said that Trigueros, who was a Greek and also a member of the West Conob’s crew, had an argument with Wutke on board the steamer on Tuesday evening, the result being that the accused pulled out a pocket-knife and stabbed Trigueros in the thigh. The ’after was taken to the hospital, but after staying for a day he had sufficiently recovered to be discharged. “The two of them bad been drinking in the city the day the quarrel occurred,’’ added the inspector, “and Wutke was. ruder the influence of liquor at the time of stabbing his fellow shipmate.” Mr. J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., said no good purpose ■ would be served by keeping accused iu custody, as he would otilv be a burden on the Government. ' “You will be sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.” said His Worship, addressing the accused. “However, I will make order for you to be placed on board your ship tomorrow so that you can go away again when Die vessel sails.”