Alleged Elder Son Thrashed Brother

Northern Advocate, 30 May 1949, Page 5

Alleged Elder Son Thrashed Brother

AUCKLAND, Mon. (P.A.)—Evidence that the elder son assumed the role of head of the family and occasionally thrashed his younger brother, was given at the hearing of an attempted murder charge in the Police Court, Onehunga, today. Robert Courtney Reece, 19, labourer, was charged with attempting to murder his brother, William Charles Reece, 25, coppersmith, on April 23. '-Prosecution evidence alleged that after William Reece had thrashed Robert at their home, Robert came out with a loaded rifle and fired it at William. Mr W. Fortune and Mr R. M. Collins appeared for accused. “BIT SEVERE.” A hospital doctor said William Reece had wounds in the abdomen and back which could have been caused by a bullet. William Reece gave evidence that his father was away from home and he regarded himself as the head of the family. When he thought accused needed a hiding witness gave it to him. “I suppose the thrashings I gave him were a bit severe at times,” witness told the police prosecutor. Witness said the main reason for disciplining his brother was that he had box-rowed money and did not repay it. Robert returned home on Saturday evening and was borrowing money from his mother, Mrs Stone. Witness went into Robert’s bedroom, told him he was getting sick of all this borrowing, and hit him several times with his fist. Witness told his mother not to worry and sat down to finish his tea in the kitchen. , GUN WENT OFF. When he . looked up Robert was standing in th!e doorway with a rifle. He said: “Come and fight now.” “My mother sprang towards him and tried to take the rifle,” witness continued.

“I went into the passage. Robert was retreating. The next thing I knew the gun went off and I was lying on the ground.” Cross-examined, Reece agreed that he was inclined to be a little more truculent after he had had several beers and a game of football. Robert once complained to the police after witness hit him. He admitted that on the night of the shooting he had hit Robert pretty hard. (Proceeding)