LEGAL K.O.

NZ Truth, Issue 1273, 24 April 1930, Page 6

LEGAL K.O.

-♦ Ex-Pug's Verbal Barrage ' #UPFORTHREE f,: (Prom. "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) "He only does it to annoy because he knows it teases," is the working motto of George Keenen, one-time boxer and lately.an inmate, of-Roto Roa Island. , He is • now doing three months m Mt. .! Eden for wilful insubordination. VEENEN has a complete gift'of the gab and opened the proceedings m the Auckland Magistrate's Court on his own account, after pleading not guilty. "Excuse, me," he shouted, "but before the court begins I wish tho reporters not-to refer to me as-a boxer. I've done a lot since then." "All you've got to do now Is listen to the evidence," remarked Mr. P. K. Hunt, S.M. In the opinion of Staff-captain Buttimore, S.A., Keenen is the "nuisance ojf the island." ; "He was very abusive to another inmate," related the captain, "and when I remonstrated with him; the flow was turned on me. He was again using vile language to me before and after the committee's visit last' Sunday." KEENAN'S OUTBURST "I know," said Mr. Hunt, who is the visiting magistrate to the island. The captain further said that Keenen's behavior was very subversive of discipline. "Staff, tell the court what language I used," demanded Keenen when asked to question the witness. "I would rather not." v "You can write it down," suggested Mr. Hunt. "He is only doing it to annoy you." "This is only one sample," said Mr. Buttimore, after writing. Keenen: Go on, put it all down. Who was there when I used it? —The inmate who was present has since been .discharged. It is not so much the language as the behavior that matters. "Mr.. Hunt," urged Keenen, "I want a fair trial. I would not believe a word tlie Staff says, if I were you." Corroborative evidence was given by Charles Butler, the only other officer on the island, who said that Keenen called Captain.Buttimore a thief. ■"That I never. It's a lie! It's all lies," vociferated the excited prisoner. "I want to be tried by -" "If your defence is that both the witnesses are lying, I prefer to believe them, not you," said Mr. Hunt, dryly. Keenen: I want a fair trial.. That other chap, Butler, is a friend of yours and he had no right poking his nose m my business. "Well, you are going up for three months -," began the magistrate, when there was a ■ further outburst from Keenen, who shouted at the top of his voice: "There you are. Where's the fairness m that?" and <was removed, still screaming and shouting by a brace of stalwart constables.