A SERIOUS CHARGE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 228, 26 August 1929, Page 6

A SERIOUS CHARGE

SUGGESTION OF DEPOSITIONS. BAIL FIXED AT £SOO. The suggestion that depositions might have to be token provided a somewhat sensational disclosure in the Magistrate’s Court, this morning, when Senior-Sergeant Wlntehouse strongly opposed the granting of bail to Frederick. George Paulsen, aged 61, a carrier, of Taonui Street, Palmerston North, who appeared before Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., charged with committing an aggravated assault on a .female on August 24. ~ - Mr Ongley appeared on behalf ol accused, who pleaded not guilty and elected to be dealt with summarily. “I wish to ask for a remand until Thursday next, accused to reamin in custody,” stated Senior-Sergeant Whitohouse in making application tor an adjournment of the proceedings. “The female assaulted was his mother. He knocked her down with a stick in the yard and she is now in hospital. It is hard to say how the shock may affect her. The assault occurred over a boarder.” “It is rather extraordmary for an objection *lO be made to bail on whiat is practically an assumption that accused is guilty/’ stated Mr Ongley, in protesting aaginst the course of action N T o, the objection is that depositions may have to be token, 'and this man may be required,” retorted bernorSergeant Whitehouse. . “If bail is going to be refused, in this case, then I consider that it is placing a dangerous weapon in the hands of the police,” commented Mr Ongley. “There is no danger of a repetition of the occurrence. It is almost forcing a man »o plead guilty, although he is given the option. There is no suggestion that he is not likely to answer to bail, repeat the offence, or commit another offence, and under the circumstances there can be no objection. In effect, if he does not plead guilty, he is going to be locked up. If, as suggested, there are any depositions to be taken in the matter, there is no need to keep him in gaol until Thursday,” “There is no guarantee that he will be found,” . said Senior-Sergeant Whitehouse. His Worship: It seems to me to be rather a serious assault. Sanior-Sergpant Whftehouse: And there is a danger that it might be repeated under the circumstances which are known to us. Mr Ongley: But she is in hospital. Senior-Sergeant Whitehouse: It is just possibly she may be discharged before Thursday. . The Magistrate fixed bail in accused’s own recognisance o f £250 and two sureties of £125 each.