BREACH OF THE PEACE.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 34, 4 May 1917, Page 4

BREACH OF THE PEACE.

INCIDENT ON ELECTION DAY. A sequel to an incident which occurred in Market Place, Blenheim, on April 25th, the day of the municipal elections (reports the “Express”), eventuated in the Magistrate’s Court Monday morning. Patrick Meehan, for whom Mr T. F. Belling appeared, pleaded guilty to a charge of using abusive behaviour to E. F. llcaly in a public place, whereby a breach of peace was caused. Counsel regretted that witnesses were required to attend. ■

Sergeant Hanson said it was not the fault of the police that the witnesses had not been stopped. No intimation was given to him to enable him to advise them that they would not be called on. Mi’ llcaly rang up from Canvastown that morning and asked if he would have to be present, and the sorgeart comd not do otherwise than tell him to come in.

Scyeant Hanson, relating the circumstances of the incident, said that Mr Healy, Mr IV. Carr (a candidate for the Mayoralty and the Council), and Mr K. Patchett were standing talking in Market Place, when the defendant, who was excited for some reason or other, came up to them. The result was that the defendant tackled Mr Carr and got him by the arm. Mr Healy saw there was likely to be trouble, and stepped in to separate tuem. The defendant struck Healy. A constable standing near the Bank of New Zealand saw the affair, and, going across, separated the parties. The defendant again struck Healy, reaching over the constable’s shoulder. Mr Belling said the facts were admitted. Mr Meehan had been subjected to a good deal of provocation throughout the day. Mr F. O’B. Loughnan, S.M., inflicted a fine of £l, with 13s costs and 17s fid out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Mr Healy. Mr Carr and Mr Patchett, who had been subpoenaed, did not claim expenses.