FIGHT IN PRISON

Southland Times, Issue 19281, 27 June 1924, Page 11

FIGHT IN PRISON

INMATES’ FEUD. LONDON, May 30. A feud between two prisoners, culminating in a free fight 'in a cell and a scuffle after a lecture in the prison chapel was alleged at the Old Bailey to have enlivened the monotony of life in Wandsworth Gaol. Charles Chariton, aged 21, pleaded guilty to wounding Frank Smith, a fellow-prisoner, and the case was adjourned for the attendance of the prison governor. In the fight after the lecture Charlton was said to have slashed Smith with a cobbler’s knife and to have been chased round the room by warders. Before being overpowered he picked up a water bottle and threw it at Smith.

There had been a long-standing feud between Charlton and Smith, it was said. Charlton had been dealt with by the prison authorities in a disciplinary way for fighting Smith. Smith was repremanded and Charlton would probably have been reprimanded also, but that subsequently he hit Smith on the head with a bar of iron. For that he received 42 days’ dietary punishment and forfeited certain remissions he had earned. Detective-Inspector Owen, of Scotland Yard, said that Charlton’s prison history was very bad. He had been punished for striking prisoners other than Smith. Smith had also received several punishments for assaulting prisoners, although he never used a weapon. Smith, who was a pugilist, apparently resented the suggestion that Charlton was his equal as a boxer. Smith had refused a challenge from Charlton to a fight in prison among the prisoners. Giving evidence, Smith said r that one Sunday while their cell doors were open Charlton came behind him and hit him in the face. “I defended myself,” said Smith, “and we had a straight fight. He got the worst of the argument and was taken to hospital to have his eye and chin treated.”