ASSAULT IN RESTAURANT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22900, 1 December 1937, Page 18

ASSAULT IN RESTAURANT

THREE STEWARDS FINED INCIDENTS IN KITCHEN Three stewards from tho steamer Ruahine, Desmond Eric Barry, aged 24, James Austin, aged 47* and Herbert Charles Ericson, aged 28, charged with assaulting Despiond Donald Robertson on Monday, pleaded not guilty when they appeared in the Police Court,' before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., yesterday. Sub-Inspector Fox ' said the three men went into a restaurant about 6.20 p.m. and assaulted three of the staff in the kitchen, but they were only charged in respect of one assault. They had been drinking, but were not drunk. Robertson, a cook, said Barry went into the kitchen and struck the proprietor, George Jellicich. The other two accused went in, wanted "the staff to take their coats off, and started to fight. Witness was hit in the eye by Barry, and was also struck by the others. Alexander Robertson, waiter, said he was struck by Barry and Austin, and a glass in his hand was knocked flying, cutting Austin's/face. Barry picked up a: bread knife and threatened to "finish" witness, who kept the two men off by kicking at them. Ericson told Barry not to be silly, and took the knife from him. 't Barry was fined £3 and costs, Austin £1 and costs, and £1 lis medical expenses, and Ericson, who was described as the least offensive, £1 and costs. Default was fixed at seven days' imprisonment. . , "You had better send to the ship for the money," said the magistrate to Mr. Fox. "I don't want them to be assaulting the prison cook."