Allegations Against Police

Northern Advocate, 14 June 1949, Page 4

Allegations Against Police

‘ AUCKLAND, Tue. (Sp.)— Allegations against a police sergeant were made in the Police Court yesterday, when Dennis Hennessy, 30, painter, pleaded not guilty to wilfully obstructing Sergeant J. A. Hall in the execution of his duty. The magistrate (Mr J. H. Luxford) said he thought the matter should be investigated by the proper authorities. Sergeant Hall said the charge arose from a fracas in Customs Street on Saturday night. Accused: Sergeant, did you call me a dirty Pommy, with a yellow streak up my back like all Pommies? Witness: Not there, but later at the police station. “Under what circumstances did you use that expression?’’ asked the magistrate. “This is rather serious and I want to have the whole story.” Sergeant Hall said he had stated that he himself was not yellow. He then had said he supposed accused was a Pommy. He had not said anything about him having a yellow streak up his spine. Although accused was technically guilty, the magistrate said he would not enter a conviction. “It is difficult to go into the real merits of this case,” added the magistrate. “You seem to have told your story truthfully.

“An inquiry should be held to decide whether the. sergeant acted in accordance with his proper duty or not.” Accused was discharged under the Offenders’ Probation Act. ,