“FIGHTING DRUNK”

Evening Star, Issue 23845, 27 March 1941, Page 2

“FIGHTING DRUNK”

TWa RBEN SENT TO PRISON BOARDING HOUSE BRAWL " Fighting drunk,” was how Seniorsergeant Black characterised the condition of two men, James William Scott, ao-ed 27. a butcher, and Jock Hazeldeno Scott, aged 20, labourer, when the police were called to a boarding house in Stuart street last night in consequence of a brawl which had been created by the Scotts. In the 1 olice Court this morning they were charged with resisting the police and assaulting Te Hori Mare Tipene. James William Scott was - also charged with assaulting Doreen Tipeue, and Jock Hazeideno Scott with wilful damage to a constable's waterproof mackintosh valued at £3. Accused pleaded guilty to all the charges. ’ , , , Air H. W. Bundle. S.M.. who hoard the charges, sentenced them to 14 days’ imprisonment without the option of a fine. Senior-sergeant Black told the court both men resided at the boarding house in question. Last night, about 10 o’clock, he said, the Scotts were under the influence of liquor. They had been drinking whisky. They started to have a row with another boarder named Graham, and a fight took place in the latter’s room. Tipcne went in and attempted to intervene. Ho failed, and returned to his room and went to bed. Some time later both the accused went into Tipene’s room with a bottle of whisky and offered him a drink. Tipene bad one. but Mrs Tipeno refused. The next thing Tipene know he was being assaulted by the Scotts, so lie got out of bed and put out the lights. Ho was then dragged into the passage and assaulted and kicked, receiving two black eyes and a broken tooth. Airs Tipene tried to intervene on behalf of her husband, the senior sergeant continued, with the result that'J. W. Scott punched her. blackening her eye and cutting it. As a result of a blow on the face she had her tongue cut. After this disturbance the police wore called in, Sergeant Sugrue and Constable Nye arriving on the scene. They advised the Scotts to behave and go to bed. Tho men became aggressive, and wanted to fight another man in the boarding house. J. W. Scott adopted a fighting : » Jude, and when it appeared likely he was going to attack tho hoarder, Constable Nye stepped in between, and was pushed away. Constable Nye then attempted to arrest Scott. Sergeant Sugrue went the constable’s assistance, . and Scott grappled with him, a struggle for lo minutes resulting. Further police assistance had to be obtained before the men could bo taken to the police station. They resisted before being placed in the cells. Constable Nve received a kick on the face, and his mackintosh was destroyed beyond use. While Sergeant Sugrue was struggling with the elder accused, the latter attempted to use his knee. There was nothing previously known against the two men, concluded Seniorsergant Black, and they had never been before tbe court before. The elder Scott was employed at tiie freezing works as a butcher, and the, younger one as a labourer at the same works. Both men wore single. “ The police department looks upon this type of assault as a serious matter. It is quite uncalled for,” he added. To the Cour»., Jirmes W. Scott said he had been drinking ail day, while both said they knew nothing of the Sentence was then imposed, Jock Hazel done Scott being ordered to pay for the damaged waterproof coat.