ATTACK WITH RAZOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 66

ATTACK WITH RAZOR.

BROTHER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

AUCKLAND. May 7. A violent assault committed on a young woman, Gertrude Best, in Upper Queen street on the night of April 15, was recalled this morning, when her brother, Albert Edward Best, aged 28, appeared before Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., charged with the attempted murder of his sister. Two alternative charges of assaulting her and wounding with intent to do grievous bodiily harm were also preferred. Chief-detective Cummings prosecuted, while Mr Alan Moody appeared for the accused.

Gertrude Best said 9he was 26 years of age and single. For two years until last Christmas she had kept house for the accused at Hamilton. He had a coal and firewood business at Hamilton until shortly before Christmas. While keeping house for the accused she was often frightend by her brother, who was sometimes sober and sometimes drunk. About March 25 last witness oame to Auckland and went to live in Waverley street. The accused came to Auckland on April 10. Witness was keeping company with a Mr Scholz, but her brother did not want her to keep company with Scholz, because he said he was a German. Witness told how her brother attacked her with a razor in the street. She was badly cut, and was still being treated as an out-patient. She said her brother had had intercourse with her. She had always objected. Mr Moody objected -to this evidence. Eileen Florence Best gave evidence to the effect that accused was often under the influence of liquor and knocked his sister about.

Dr Murray gave evidence regarding the serious injuries received by Gertrude Best. Witness also saw the accused at the watchhouse after the alleged assault. Ill's hands were covered with blood, and his actions indicated that he had some liquor. Sergeant Lambert said that shortly after 8 o’clock on the night of April 15 he saw a crowd in Upper Queen street. On investigating he found Gertrude Best lying on the footpath covered with blood, with her neck, face, and hands cut. She said, “He did it,” pointing to her brother. The accused when asked bv witness why he had assaulted his sister said, T don’t know.” Ernest Alfred Scholz said he wag from Western Australia. Hig father was also a native of Australia.

Senior-detective Ward said the accuse*! denied the improprieties alleged by his sister.

The accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial. Counsel did not press for bail.