ROW AT FLAT

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 July 1927, Page 8

ROW AT FLAT

“FAST” BARONET INJURED. LONDON, June 1. There was a surprise at the Old Bailey, yesterday before William Thomas was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment in the second division for wounding Sir Michael Bruce with a broken bottle. This was the sequel to an incident at Thomas’s flat in Jermyn Street, S.W., on April 14. Sir Michael was struck in the face and is still in hospital. Speaking of Sir Michael. Bruce, the Judge commented: “I dare say he is what is called a ‘fast’ man, and if his conduct on April 14 is typical of the way he passed his days then it would appear that he did not pass them in the most exemplary manner.” After an hour’s retirement the foreman of the jury announced that they found Thomas guilty of unlawful wounding, being of opinion that he acted in self-defence. Thomas’s counsel, however, said he was sure the jury were not really agreed. It was ascertained that two were against the verdict, and the Judge ordered the jury to reconsider their decision. Finally they found Thomas “guilty of unlawful wounding.” In passing sentence, Judge Atherley Jones said the jury had taken a very merciful view of the case.