DOCTOR WINS CASE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 306, 22 September 1934, Page 8

DOCTOR WINS CASE

Assault Charge Dismissed CLAIM BY PENSIONER By Telegraph.—Press Association. Invercargill, September 21. In the Magistrate’s Court to-day th* case in which William Spencer, war pensioner, of Riverton, claimed £6B 10/- as,damages from Dr. J. W. Bridgman formerly of Riverton, but now of Greymouth, for injuries received as the result of alleged assault was concluded. A charge of assault, laid under the Justices of the Peace Act, was determined at the same time. The case wag partly heard at Riverton on September 3 and had been adjourned to Invercargill. The magistrate, Mr. E. C. Lewy, dismissed the charge of assault and gave judgment for defendant in respect to the claim for damages. Costs were entered against plaintiff.' ' Counsel for the defence, Mr. R. B. Bannerman (Gore), declared that pever at any time had Bridgman struck plaintiff, and submitted that the'evi-. dence he intended calling would show that Spencer was the aggressor,, and that Bridgman had never at any time lifted a hand to Spencer. Mr. Bannerman declared that the whole’ Case was a “ghastly fake,” and seemed to have been instigated in an attempt to jeopardising. defendant’s professional reputation. In giving his judgment the magistrate said that the whole matter reflected little credit on all concerned. He found that plaintiff was the aggressor, and that he had proved he!--ther first nor second assault. If he received any injuries then they were the results of his aggressive act. ', ,