ALLEGED ASSAULT AND BOBBERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10752, 13 May 1898, Page 6

ALLEGED ASSAULT AND BOBBERY.

STRANGE AFFAIR AT PAEROA. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.]

Pabroa, Thursday. A rather sensational affair occurred late last night. It is alleged that McKell and a man named A. Persson were companions together all the evening, and at a late hour Persson suddenly ejaculated, "I've been robbed." The amount he is supposed to have been relieved of is £21. McKell, it is stated, replied that he knew who took the money, and ho asserted that a man named Allen J. McCarthy, of the Criterion Billiard Saloon, was the man, The result was that. Persson took McKell's word, and is said to have assaulted McCarthy whilst the latter was on his way home to Mr. Power's Hotel, where he lodged. Persson also, it is alleged, took £1 in money and a watch and chain, thinking all the time that he was taking his own property. McCarthy reported the matter to the police, with the result that Persson was arrested by Sergeant Brennan, and the money and watch were found' on him. McKell could nob be found last night, but early this morning it was discovered by the police that he bad returned to Power's Hotel. Constable Connor at once wont across to apprehend him,. McKell said to Miss Power, " Here, take this money, and keep it for me," and placed a roll of notes in her hand. McKell was then arrested, but subsequently the police were advised as to the money being loft in the hands of Miss Power, and when counted it was discovered that the amount was £24, the exact sum that Persson had been relioved of. Ib is therefore alleged that McKell robbed Persson of the £24, and then, in order to avert suspicion, placed the blame on the shoulders of McCarthy. McCarthy was very much knocked about, hie face and head suffering the most. Persson and McKell wore brought up at the Police Court to-day, before Mr. R. S. Bush, S.M., and charged with having assaulted- Allen McCarthy, and robbed him of £4 4s. Sergeant Brennan appeared for the police, and asked for a remand until the 17th. The police, he said, intended to reduce this charge to ono of common assault, The case was remanded, and accused were admitted to bail, the recognisances being fixed at £20 each. Arthur McKell was thon charged that he did steal from A. J. Persson the sum of £24. A remand to the 17th instant was also granted. Bail was allowed, accused himself in £50, and two sureties of £25 each..