YOUNG WOMAN ASSAULTED

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 6

YOUNG WOMAN ASSAULTED

Labourer Accused Of Serious Crime

“HE WOULD HAVE KILLED ME." From Our Own Corresuonflent. OTAKI, Feb. 25. At the Otaki Court yesterday, before Mtsrrs T. H. Windley and H. Nice.son, J. sF., William Charles Norman, labcurer, of Otaki, was charged with committing a serious crime against a young unmarried woman. Dr. Atmore stated that she had examined the young woman m question and found that she had a contusion of the left eye, a contusion .'a the skull, scratches on the loft Sivu-der and neck, and a swelling below the left jaw. She had also complained of pain and bruising, while her mouth was blood-stained. There was also evidence ot a certain offence having been attempted i com mitted. The injuries were recent- and the young woman was in a very nervous state. The examn aticoi was made at 7.30 a.m., and another at 5.40 p.m. when her pulse was 140.

David Raika stated that he was a labourer, residing opposite Norman's residence. About 7 a.m. on Wednesday he heard a female voice calling out for help, and he went straight across to find a young woman struggling with Norman. She was very distressed and her clothing was disarranged and it appeared that Norman was trying tc drag her back to the house. He pushed Norman away from the girl, who then ran away towards the railway.

The young lady in evidence stated that she liad only been in New Zealand for about five months. She had resided in Wellington, and Norman had answered an advertisement she had inserted in a Wellington paper for a position as housekeeper. Arrangements were made and she arrived in Otaki at 7.45 p.m. on the 22nd by train. Norman met her and accompanied her to his home. After showing her her room he took her into the kitchen where they had tea and cake, and then they sat up talking till 12.30. During the evening Norman offered her some port wine, but as she did not like it only had a few sip- She did not know how much Norman had, but thought it more than a cupful. The amount of liquor she had did not affect her in the slightest. When she retired she asked for the key to her . room and was told there was not one, so she closed the door the best way she 'b Later sho heard the h die turn, but as it was very dark she could see no one but asked if anyone was there. She received no answer. She then sat up and pulled the light cord but the light would not come on, although it was alright earlier in the evening. She got up, dressed, and asked Norman v/hat was wrong with the lights. He never answered, so she went back to her room again. Before getting into bed she put her big case against the door and pulled up the blind. Later she heard the door pushed open again and called out “Is anyone there?" There was no answer. She got up and then got Norman to fix the light. He then made her a cup of tea, was very attentive, and told her there was nothing to be afraid of. She had previously pointed out that she was restless and could not sleep. It was then 5.30 and as she was dressed she did not bother to get undressed again, but lay on the bed. Later, Norman came in and tried to get into the bed. She struggled as far as the front dor which she found bolted. A lamp was knocked over in the struggle. Norman let her go and she went to the kitchen and packed her clothing ready to leave. A little later sho felt a smashing blow on the head which knocked her to the floor. She got up but Norman dragged her to the bedroom where she appealed for mercy. He interfered with her despite her protests, pleadings, and struggles. She tried to call out but he hit her on the head, and said if Bhe made any noise he would “knock her cold." She was exhausted. She then got up and ran away, but Norman caught her and hit her severely about her head and face. The blows were powerful and she said she knew that he intended to kill her. When she called for help he hit her and put his hand over her mouth. It was then that a Maori appeared and sh-? ran away. The first house she went to she could get no assistance so she can to another and asked for the use of a telephone to ring the police. She was directed to Mrs. Williams' residence and a message was sent to Constable Barrett. She was then taken to Dr. Atmore for an examination of her injuries. Norman's violence was such that she was certain that tho intervention of the Maori (Raika) saved her life.

Constable Barrett (Otaki) stated that at 6.40 a.m. he received a message relative to the assualt, and immediately proceeded to Mr 3. Williams where he found the young woman in a very excited state. She was then only partly attired, and complained of. feeling ill. She desired a doctor, so he took her to Dr. Atmore, after which she further outlined the case. He J, ien visited Norman's residence but found ho was not home. He examined the grounds and found a pair of ladies' shoes, and marks of a struggle. Later lie recovered luggage from the dressing room at the station, left there by Norman. There was also a parcel of underwear which had been taken from her. Norman was interviewed and made a statement, and was subsequently placed in custody. Norman had signed a statement admitting the offence but asked leave to withdraw it, stating that at the time of making his signature he was not in his normal senses. He asked for a remand so that the case could be heard by a Magistrate, and also for bail. It was pointed out that there was no power to adjourn the case for hearing by a Magistrate, while bail would be refused. At one stage Norman decided to give evidence, but later said he would plead not guilty, and therefore reserve his defence. Norman was then committed to the

Supreme Court at Palmerston North for trial, when the case will come on for hearing on May 2nd. NORMAN ESCAPES BUT RECAPTURED From Our Own CorresDondent. OTAKI, Feb. 25. While being escorted to Wellington prison this morning Norman unexpectedly jumped from the train half a mile south of Paraparaumu. At 3.55 p.m. advice was received that Norman had been captured at Paekakariki by Detective Hogan, of 1 Wellington.