MONDAY, JULY 20.

Colonist, Volume VI, Issue 599, 21 July 1863, Page 3

MONDAY, JULY 20.

CPKIOUS CASE OF ASSAULT.

James Smith, seaman on board the Airedale, was charged with assaulting Thomas Field, brewer, on board that vessel, on Saturday last.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, but under provocation. Thomas Field, brewer, sworn: I was shipping 17 hogsheads of beer on board the Airedale on Saturday last; prisoner was down in the hold at the time, and he asked me to tap one of the casks, and give him a gallon of beer, and I should soon have my beer shipped. I said I would not tap a hogshead, but if he would find me a cask I would send four or five gallons of beer for the crew. I said, "I am not particular with a gallon of beer, am I, Mr, Garrard ?" Prisoner then said, " Oh don't refer to him, for he's a by rogue." I denied this. Prisoner then came out of the hold, and Garrard said to him, " Don't you call me that name again, else I'll get you taken care of." Prisoner then threatened to strike Garrard; I was standing by with my hands in my pockets at the time; I did not think he was angry, and I said, " don't hit him, hit me," and he made no more to do but he up with his fist, and hit me in the face, and here, said the witness, pointing to his bruised face, is the " receipt." (Laughter.) He then struck me on the ribs, and gave me another blow on the face as I turned round.

Joseph Garrard corroborated the first witness. The Magistrate Baid it was a most unprovoked assault, and fined defendant £2 and costs, or in default a month's imprisonment.