WIFE ASSAULTED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 220, 15 August 1928, Page 7

WIFE ASSAULTED.

HUSBAND FINED £5.

“A BAD STATE OF AFFAIRS.”

, William Edward Astin, described as an agent, 40 years of age, appeared beforo Air J. L. Stout, S.AI., at the Alagistrate’s Court this morning charged with assaulting his wif© yesterday. Accused pleaded guilty, _ whereupon it was stated by Senior-Sergeant Whitehous© that the facts showed a bad state of affairs. Just before eight o’clock last evening the watchhouse keeper at the rxilico station received a ring from a lady to send a constable to 49 Pahiatua Street, but, on asking who was speaking, received no reply. Later the same message was repeated, and, after a third request. in the same voice, a neighbour rang to say that there was trouble at 49 Pahiatua Street. A constable was then despatched, and. on his arriving, he found Airs As tin’s mother in a great state of fear. Hearing a loud voice, he went into the kitchen and there found accused assaulting his wife and kicking her on the legs. Ho was then arrested and locked-up. Tho trouble had arisen from accused going home drunk, and the assault had been going on for about_ two hours when the constable arrived. This was not the first time there had been trouble; it had been going oil for 18 years, and Airs Astin lived in fear of her husband. Tho facts said Air Laurenson, who appeared for accused, were not as serious as stated. During the day Astin had received a letter from a legal firm suggesting a separation between himself and his wife, and, owing 'to his excitable disposition, this had upset him. He had also had two or three drinks before going home, and he now .sincerely regretted his action, for which he tendered an apology. As far as the raising of his voice was concerned, Airs Astin was somewhat deaf, and it was necessary for him to raise his voice to make himself heard. His bark was far worse than his bite. The Alagistrate: Blit the constablo says that he was kicking his wife. Accused: I deny that. I may have raised my foot, but I was not kicking The ease, submitted Air Laurenson, was one that could be met with a Senior-Sergeant Whitchonse (to the Magistrate): If your Worship thinks that I have been over-severe in my remarks you could call Airs Astin, who is here. ' The Alagistrate: The question is what can be done. After consideratp/n, HJis Worship imposed a fine of £5 and ordered accused to enter into a recognisance of £2O. to keep the peace towards his wife, with one surety of a like amount. The default was fixed at 14 days’ imprisonment.