BITING HIS EAR.

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9798, 7 May 1924, Page 7

BITING HIS EAR.

FITTER’S PRIMITIVE PASSION.

! TWO MEN AND SOME BOYS

j At the Birmingham Quarter Sessions, before Sir Ryland AdkinS ) K.O. amazing evidence was offered against J Harry Leach (37), a fitter, who plcadI ed guilty to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Thomas i Humph or.son. •

Mr Finnemore who prosecuted, referred to th alleged offence as an adominable one to have occurred in the twentieth century, for Leach was charged with biting off part of Ilum-plier-soiii’s ear.

The story for the prosecution was that on the night of January 20, Humpherson a locksmith, was on his way home with his fox terrier, and on passing Loach’s house in Bradford. Street, an. belonging to accused, rushed: out, and there was a fxghti between the two dogs. Humpherson stamped on the ground and tried to part the animals, and after doing so continued on his way. Leach rushed after him, and inquired why he (Humpherson) had kicked his dog. Leach then struck Humpherson on the month, two tcetli being loosened. He was also struck in the stomach and on. the leg. While he was on tho it was alleged, Leach jumped on to liiim, took Biumpherson’s oar between his teeth, and bit off a’ portion of it.

Humpherson, in- the course of crossexamination by Mr G-reirsouj for the defence, denied that he brought Leach to the ground with a kick, or that ho got Accused's thumb in his mouth and bit it until the nail and skin were torn away. Counsel suggested that the cut on the ear was caused by contact with the straight edge of the kerb, or by the rough stones on the road.

Accused who gave evidence on oath, declared that prosecutor made a running kick at liis dog. and when lie (Leach) approached Humpherson he received a kic-k between the legs. Ho dropped to the ground, and when he rose received a kick on the shins. Leach added that he then got up and closed with Humpherson. who took witness’ thumb in his mouth, and tho nail and skin were taken away.

Cross-examined, accused said the prosecutor’s ear might have been injured by rolling in the struggle, though possibly the .terrier caused it, accused’s waistcoat having been hitton by tho animal. 1