Alleged Assault and Slander

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 63, 16 March 1938, Page 6

Alleged Assault and Slander

MAGISTRATE FINDS FOR DEFENDANT

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Niglit. Reserved judgment in the case in which John Robert Rigg, a woolworker, claimed £IOO for alleged assault auu £IOO for alleged slander on February 2 from Alexander Johnston, described as a bookmaker, was given iu the Magistrate’s Court by Mr. F. K. Hunt. S.M. When the case was heard on A larch 2, plaintiff claimed that defendant had assaulted him, striking him over the right eye after a dispute arising from a bookmaking transaction and slandered him by cairng him a thief.

Dealing with the assault charge, the Magistrate said that apparently plaintiff had made a bet with defendant and won. Defendant paid promptly, but the next day when plaintiff lost his bet he was not prompt in paying. It had been suggested that defendant had used American “strong arm" methods when ho called on plaintiff asking for payment. It was also suggested that he had a revolver in his hip pocket, but that was absurd, as the man’s right hand was crippled. Regarding the blow said to have been struck, both parties told different stories, and there were no witnesses, but defendant said he did not strike out until plaintiff picked up au axe. Judgment would be for defendant on the assault charge, with costs. Dealing with the slander charge, the Magistrate said it was strange that plaintiff, after being assaulted, did not go at once to the police. He had apparently thought the matter over lor some time. Plaintiff had complained of being called a thief, but defendant could not be convicted unless ihc Magistrate was satisfied that the words had been used. Not being convinced on that point, he would give judgment for defendant with costs.