A GAOL DISTURBANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12819, 20 March 1905, Page 6

A GAOL DISTURBANCE.

PRISONER ASSAULTS A WARDER. OTHER PRISONERS INTERFERE. o.\" Wednesday last a rather serious assault was made 011 a warder by a prisoner at Mount Eden Gaol, and in consequence a coloured man named William Cameron, who is serving- a sentence of two years for assault and rohl>ery at Gisborue, was charged with assaulting.a warder named Bethune. Warder Bethmie, who appeared in Court with a black eye, said he was in charge of the stone work at the Mount Eden Gaol last Wednesday at about four o'clock. He stooped to examine some tools, and was th?n set upon by the accused, who punchedhim in the eye and dealt rather severely with him while 011 the ground. Hie was dazed by the blow, and accused pummelled him 011 the lace and head. Warder Bell said he was just on his way to take up his duty at the stone work when he heard a whistle, and somebody "singing out." He rushed forward and saw the prisoner on top of Warder Bethune. The prisoner was acting- " more like a wild beast than anything- else." Witness got. his baton ready for action, and went to strike the accused, but it was knocked out of his hand by other prisoners who were standing around. Ho then closed with Cameron, but the other prisoners crowded round him and began to punch him. Other warders then came to his assistance, and the prisoner was removed. Warder Arnold gave corroborative evidence.. The prisoner's version of the affair was that lie was going to sharpen his blunt tool? when Warder Bethune rushed at hisy from behind and hit him with a baton. He only put out. his fist to shove the warder away. The Magistrate said he thought it. was not only an unprovoked assault, but- a premeditated one. Prisoner: The warders "dog me down" all the tim?. and I can bring evidence to prove it. Magistrate: It is of no use flattering yourself that you ere being dogged. If you obey the orders of the gaolers you will be all right. I notice you have a long list of complaints against you. The Bench ordered the prisoner to forfeit ICOO marks, and sentenced him to 10 days on bread and water. THE PRISONER'S RECORD. [BY TKLKGRAI'H. — PBKSS ASSOCIATION.} Gi.* borne. Sunday. The prisoner who assaulted the warder in Mount Eden Gaol \va s under sentence for a daring robbery from the person. On reaching Auckland he assaulted 11 constable, ' and made a bolt for liberty, but was soon j recaptured. ]