“GIVEN NO CHANCE”

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 169, 12 April 1930, Page 13

“GIVEN NO CHANCE”

SOLICITOR ASSAULTED AN IRATE DEBTOR Alleged victimisation of himself and his wife was pleaded in extenuation by Vincent Henry Farmer, who conducted his own defence when charged in the Police Court yesterday with assaulting Augustus James West-Walker, a solicitor. Mr. Egley, who appeared for complainant, said last Sunday morning complainant had left church at Karori and was proceeding along the main street. Defendant, struck complainant on the head aud jumped on his back, and after complainant got away again jumped on his back. Complainant acted for a firm of grocers in Wellington and 34 years ago defendant owed the firm £5O. Since then complainant had made many attempts to collect, the debt. Payments had been made, but leniency was extended. Eventually a charging order had been made against defendant’s property and a writ of sale issued. This had rankled in defendant’s mind.

Complainant gave evidence and was cross-examined by defendant. Francis Callaghan deposed to having witnessed the assault. Defendant submitted that extreme victimisation had been extended to himself and his wife for a considerable time by complainant. He said complainant had known he had a valuable property and had wanted it. Defendant had been in financial stress and had not had fair treatment. The Magistrate: Why assault him? He was merely trying to collect his client’s' money. Defendant: Yes, but there was no need to go to extreme measures. The Magistrate: But he had given you over three years. Defendant: Mr. West-Walker knew my position perfectly well, but he would not give me a chance. In giving judgment the Bench said defendant had been worried over his financial operations, had got incensed with complainant and assaulted him. Defendant had been quite unjustified in the assault. He would be bound over for the sum of £25 to keep the peace for twelve months.