YOUNG MAN STABBED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3867, 24 April 1928, Page 26

YOUNG MAN STABBED.

SENSATION AT MILTON. A LABOURER ARRESTED. A somewhat sensational stabbing affray occurred in Union street, Milton, about 10 o’clock on Sunday evening week last, as a result of which Albert Lloyd, aged. 21 years, who is employed by the Public Works Department at Balclutba, now lies in- Milton* Hospital suffering from a seri* ous wound in the abdomen. It appears that on Sunday night, just after 10 o’clock, Lloyd called at the residence of Mr P. Curran, in Union, street, with amotor car, intending to take home a young lady who had been, spending the evening with Mrs Curran. Just as Lloyd alighted from the car a young man, stated to be William Hassett, a labourer residing at Milton, rushed forward and caught him by the throat. On being asked "what he was doing, Hassett replied “ Nothing,” and thereupon is alleged to have stabbed Lloyd in the abdomen with a large pocket knife. The night was very dark, and there were no witnesses of the occurrence. Dr J. N. Edgar, superintendent of the Milton Hospital, was summoned by neighbours who heard t’.-.e injured man’s cries, and Lloyd was removed *o the local hospital, where he was found to be suffering from a wound in the abdomen an inch wide by t”’o inches deep. . On examining the wound, Dr Edgar pronounced it as serious, but not dangerous, but stated that had the knife not entered in a slanting direction it might easily have proved fatal. In endeavouring to obtain possession' of the knife Lloyd also received a severe gash on the hand. Reports are current that Hassett, who was acquainted with the young lady, had previously resented Lloyd’s attention to her, and a Milton resident states that on Sunday evening, about 8 o’clock, he saw Hassett waiting near Mr Curran’s house. Hassett appeared at the time to be under a severe nervous tension, and is alleged to have said that he intended to “ get Lloyd.” The accused is a native of Milton, aged 28 years. He was at ore period in the Railway Department’s clerical service at different stations. He resigned from the service several years ago, and has since worked inter-ri'-tently in different employment, latterly on a threshing mill.

HASSETT BEFORE THE COURT.

A REMAND GRANTED. MILTON, April 17. William Hassett, who was arrested by Constable M'Quitty at his residence late yesterday afternoon in connection with the stabbing affray at Milton on Sunday night, was brought before a special sitting of the Milton Police Court this morning and charged with attempted murder. The presiding justices of the peace were Messrs William Moore and D. M. Mawson, On the application of Constable M’Quitty a remand was granted until Monday next, when the accused will appear at the monthly sitting of the court before Mr H. J. Dixon, S.M. Bail was refused.

Though there were no witnesses of the actual stabbing it is understood that the young woman, with whom Hassett had formerly been keeping company, heard the sounds of scuffling on Sunday night, and recognised Hassett’s and Lloyd's voices. On reaching the gate at Mr Curran’s residence she noticed two men struggling on the ground. Lloyd being uppermost. Lloyd called to her to run for assistance, stating that Hassett had a knife in his hand. The young woman rushed back to Curran’s house, and Mr. J. Ma.cdonnell, of Balelutha. who was visiting the residence, went to Lloyd’s assistance. Hassett ran away, and Lloyd stated that he had been stabbed. He was immediately conveyed to Dr Edgar’s residence, where the wound was dressed, and he was then removed to the local hospital. Lloyd’s condition yesterday was reported to be favourable, and hopes are entertained for a speedy recovery from his injuries.