NORTHCOTE INCIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20302, 9 July 1929, Page 14

NORTHCOTE INCIDENT.

CRIMINAL ASSAULT CHARGE.

PROCEEDINGS WITHDRAWN.

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED MURDER

MADDOX COMMITTED FOR TRIAL

A sequel to an incident at, Northcoto on Juno 20 occurred in tho Police Court yesterday, when a chargo of criminal assault, preferred against Jerko Didovich, a Dalmatian, aged 20 (Mr. Singer), was withdrawn. Evidence was heard in the chargo of attempted murder against Robert Francis Maddox, aged 27 (Mr. Sul livan), and accused was committed to the Suprome Court for trial. When Didovich appeared before Messrs L. S. llickerby and A. J. Stratford, J.P.'s, Chief-Detectivo Hammond said Mrs. Mad dox had made a complaint to tho police that Didovich had assaulted her. Since then certain letters had been found which Mrs Maddox admitted 'she had written to Didovich. She also admitted that the statement she made against Didovich was false. In consequonce, the police would offer no evidence on tho charge against Didovich. Mr. Singer said Didovich had done everything possible to protect tho good name of Mrs. Maddox. Tho chargo was withdrawn. Tho chargo against Maddox was then proceeded with. Evidence of Dalmatian. Jorko Didovich said he resided closo to Maddox's house at Northcote, and worked in the samo quarry as Maddox. On Friday morning witness was mending a puncture in the tyre of his cyclo, accused having proceeded to work. Mrs. Maddox brought her husband's working trousers to witness, as Maddox had forgotten to take them. On the samo day witness returned from tho city at about 9.30 p.m. to find a note requesting that ho should call on accused.

Witness said Mrs. Maddox answered when ho knocked at the door of the house, accused being closo behind her. Accused said, "If you don't sign this paper you will dio," and accused then put his hand in his pocket and produced a revolver. Witness then ran back to his house, Later witness heard someone open the outside door ol his house. Witness placed himself behind tho door of his room, keeping the door closed. Accused called to him: "If you don't sign this paper you will die. I will give you a few seconds." Accused then tried to open tho door, but witness leaped out of tho window and ran toward Takapuna, whero ho stayed tho night. Witness said lie had not been told what was in tho paper he was to sign. 110 did not hear any shots fired. He had been very friendly with accused and his wife. Statement to the Police. Detective Knight said he found an automatic pistol behind tho front door of accused's house. In the breech of the pistol was a ball cartridge, which had not been discharged, bui which bore the indentation of the striking pin of tho pistol. Tho spring of tho pistol was weak and the mechanism filled with grease, this probably being the reason why the cartridge failed to oxplodo. There was a shotgun and two rifles in tho house, ono being loaded.

In a statement to the police accused described incidents leading up to his return from work on the Friday evening .After tea ho questioned his wife and she made certain allegations against Didovich. He then became very excited and loaded a pistol, intending to kill Didovich. When Didovich called at his houso he [minted the pistol at him and fired, but the cartridge did not explode. Running after Didovich ho fired several cartridges, but none would explode. At this stage Mr. Sullivan submitted that the justices should consider whether a prima facio caso had been made out, and whether, in view of tho circumstances, a jury would convict accused. Accused, ho said, had been living in an ideal homo with his wifo when a statement was made to him which threw him off his balance. During that time lie had attempted to take the law into his own hands.

After consideration tho justices held that a prima facie caso had been established.

A plea of not guilty was entered and accused was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail at £4OO was renewed.