EMPLOYER ATTACKED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20779, 23 January 1931, Page 15

EMPLOYER ATTACKED.

STRUCK WITH STOCKWHIP. CHARGES AGAINST YOUTH. "I think accused would fail to realise the purpose of any punishment," said Mr. W. H. Woodward, P.M., in the Police Court yesterday, when a youth aged 19, whose name was ordered to be suppressed, was charged with stealing a watch and a Royal Humane Society's medal, of a total value of £2 10s, and also with assaulting his employer by striking him with a stock-whip. Mr. Smyth, who represented accused, entered pleas of guilty to both charges. Detective-Sergeant Kelly said that at 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday Constable Rushton, of Henderson, was called to the farm where accused was employed. When he arrived ho found accused tied up with ropes. The constable learned* that accused had stolen the watch and medal on the previous day and when his employer spoko to him accused became very violent and attacked him with a stock-whip. When the constable released him he explained quietly what he had done and expressed regret. Ho was not mentally strong. Mr. Smyth said accused was not normal and had had all his schooling at the Sumner School for the deaf, although he could hear a little. He had not been in trouble previously. The knowledge that the polico were' being sent for in connection with the theft had caused him to lose his temper and commit the assault. Counsel made an appeal for leniency and said that Major Holmes, of the Salvation Army, had volunteered to look after accused while he was looking for work. The magistrate said he would not enter a conviction against accused, who was discharged.