ASSAULTING A DETECTIVE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 15, 2 September 1911, Page 5

ASSAULTING A DETECTIVE.

(Per Press Association.) Gisborne, September 1. A case which excited a considerable amount of attention was hoard to-day at the Magistrate's Court, when John Thomson, Deputy Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, was'Vharged with having assaulted Detective Mitchell during the progress of a fire at Kaita (a suburb) on the 2Sth nit. The facts, as stated by the police, were that Mitchell was standing near by, and that the defendant asked him to keep clear of the hose, subsequently pushing him off the footpath and striking him a severe blow in the face. For the defence, it was pleaded that ".Thomson ’did'" not kiidw Mitchell. It was admitted that defendant pushed Mitchell off the footpath, and that, seeing Mitchell advance in a threatening attitude, Thomson got in the first blow, being still unaware of Mitchell’s identity. A good deal of evidence was taken, including that of one witness, who said he saw Mitchell “shape up” to the defendant after the latter had pushed him off the footpath. Another witness stated that Thomson was informed of Mitchell’s identity, but said “he did not care; he would have to keep hack.” Mr W. A. Barton, S.M., held that the assault had been proved, but said the case was not one calling for a, heavy penalty. He imposed a fine of 10s. His Worship suggested that Thomson, on being made aware of Mitchell’s identity, might have apologised, and ho expressed regret that the incident had gone so far as to be brought into court.