SENT TO PRISON

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 265, 5 August 1931, Page 11

SENT TO PRISON

Christchurch Disturbers OTHERS FINED Police Describe Attacks By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, August 4. Two of the men concerned in Saturday’s street disturbance were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, one was fined, and the charges agamst a fourth man were 'dismissed. The charges arose out of an attempt to hold an "anti-war” procession, which had been forbidden by the authorities. After hearing evidence, the magistrate, Mr. E. D. Mosley, dismissed charges of disorderly behaviour and insulting language against George Christopher Harris. Evidence in the remaining cases was then taken. Sergeant Hyland said he was rushed by McKegney. While both were on the ground witness was kicked by another man. There was no doubt that McKegney was fighting with Sergeant Leckie. , ... Witness, in reply to counsel, said he only drew his baton when he was kicked on the ground. He denied that the police were “seeing red,” and said the arrests were justified, as the situation was ugly. Sergeant Leckie said that Riley had a baton a foot long in his hand. He saw other men attacking Constable Phillips, who was on the ground. Riley and Dodge were arrested at Hereford Street. Dodge then lay down and used his feet and fists freely. Answering a question by counsel as to whether he drew his baton before any disorder occurred, witness exclaimed: “It’s a lie.” He considered that the trouble was started by concerted action of the Communists. Speaking on behalf of Riley, McKegney, and Dodge, counsel (Mr. Hunter) said that nothing was done until the police, attacked them with batons. The police', he said, precipitated the trouble by drawing their batons, “which was a sight that inflamed a British crowd.” The magistrate said there had been much contradictory evidence, but it was impossible for him to conclude that the police officers, as had been alleged, had at the risk of their own lives incited the crowd to attack them. McKegnie, on a charge of unlawfully resisting arrest, was sentenced to three months’ hard labour. Dodge, for resisting arrest, was sentenced to two months’ hard labour. Riley was fined £5 for disorderly behaviour. . , ■ McKegney and Dodge were fined to each for disorderly behaviour, and Dodge and Riley £2 each for taking part in an unauthorised procession. The magistrate held that the charges of Inciting to lawlessness were proven, but he said he did not wish to be unnecessarily hard on the men, who had been punished for other offences. He dismissed the informations, using his discretionary powers under the Offenders’ Probation Act. Riley asjied for time to pay the fine, but he refused to accept the magistrate s condition that if allowed a month he should refrain in the meantime from associating himself with lawlessness of a similar kind. Thereupon the magistrate said no time would be allowed. The fine must be paid forthwith, in default two months’ imprisonment. Harris pleaded not guilty to a charge of using insulting language m a public place, a charge of using indecent language being withdrawn. After hearing evidence the magistrate dismissed the charges, saying he would give Harris the benefit or tne doubt. -