THE ASSAULT ON A CONSTABLE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 11 April 1912, Page 5

THE ASSAULT ON A CONSTABLE.

A STBEET BOW IN AUCKLAND

(United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, April 9. Henry Jolin Wells, Thomas Henry Littj and John Richardson appeared at the rolice Court to-day on a charge of having in Grey-street, at 4 o'clock this morning, assaulted Police Constable Frederick Mills.

, Sub-liispector Hendry applied, tor a remand, as the constable was too ill .to appear. He stated that the constable was very much knocked about, ancl ha/d been kicked over the heart. After his arrival at the station he had fainted. Dr Murray examined him , arid ordered his removal to "the hospital. It was hard: to say what was the extent..of his injuries. Accused were reriianded until 17th of April. From information gleaned! it appears .that Constable Mills was on duty in Grey street at about 11 p.m., when his at- ' tention was attracted by rowdyism on the part of three men. lie proceeded to the scene of the turmoil, and ordered the disturbers of the peace to cease thtfr ■ noise. It is alleged that one of the mei)> : named Richardson, became abusive, and the constable thereupon attempted to arrest him. Richardson, it is said, violently : resisted being taken into custody, and i in the scufflo that ensued the constable was knocked down. While he was lying >on the ground he was kicked, it" is alleged, by Wells, and sustained severe injuries. He managed to make his way ito the police-station, at which he arrivedin a state of collapse, and fainted. shortly afterwards. He was severely kicked in the *ibs and over Ihe heart, but, " Although eevioiis, his injuries, .are riot siip- , posed to be dangerous. Later the three men were arrested.

In his statement to the police, Wella said that_he was in combany with men .named Litt and Richardson, the fatter .of whom the constable endeavoured to arrest. When Richardson resisted th» constable hmd to use force, and ho (Wells) said : "Don't knock him about." Wells's statement then went on as follows: "I hit the constable in the face with my clenched fist. After I struck the constable I ran up Grey-street into a. shop, and went upstairs. I admit that prior to the constable interfering we were were all rowdy. We had htad several drinks during the day." Litt's statement was similar in' effect. He said that when the constable was knocked down ho called for help. "I helped him to his feet," said Litt. "Tho constable tried to handcuff the' m'an, and the crowd ffofc round. I saw Wells kick the constable in the side.". Enquiries made at the hospital plicited the information that Constable'Mi'lls was progressing very favourably.