AFFRAY IN STREET

Southland Times, Issue 22202, 20 December 1933, Page 7

AFFRAY IN STREET

WOMAN WOUNDED IN LEG

HUSBAND SENT TO GAOL.

(Per United Press Association.)

Christchurch, December 19

Alexander James Churton, aged 33, a labourer, was charged before Mr Mosley, S.M., with assaulting his wile, Bettv Churton, so as to cause her actual bodily harm. The accused had been remanded without bail since December 10, when he and his wife were treated at the out-patients’ department of the hospital for wounds allegedly caused with a knife. This morning Dr. McLean gave evidence that the woman had been suffering from ’ stab wound in the leg, and extensive bleeding had occurred. The accused had a spiral cut on the base of the third finger of his left hand. Both wounds could have been caused by a pocket knife. Betty Churton, wife of the accused, said she had not lived with her husband for 24 years. She had been visiting friends on December 10, and when returning her husband met her in the road and called out: “You've got evidence of a divorce. I'll murder you before you divorce me.” Churton then caught her and dragged her into the road. She could not tell what happened then. Churton (from the dock): You dirty rotten liar.

The Magistrate told the accused to keep calm. Witness, proceeding, said that not till she felt blood pouring down her leg did she know that she had been wounded. She had not the slightest idea how the wound was caused.

Witness, in reply to counsel for the defence, denied carrying a nail file or ever having chased Churton with a knife.

Robert D. Berry, who witnessed the struggle- in the street, gave evidence that Churton said later: “Look, she came at me with a knife,” showing a cut on the hand. While the pair were struggling a woman called from the house where Mrs Churton lived: “Give it to him.”

Another witness said accused had previously threatened to attack his wife with a knife.

Senior Sergeant Fox asked the leave of the Court to withdraw the major charge, leaving only the charge of assault. To this Churton pleaded guilty, declaring however that he was doing so only to get the matter cleared up, but that he had not in fact committed the assault.

Churton wa ( s sentenced to four months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to find surety for £5O to keep the peace for twelve months. A separation order was made with maintenance of 10/- weekly.