DRUNKEN FIGHTERS GAOLED

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1929, Page 9

DRUNKEN FIGHTERS GAOLED

FRACAS IN WELLINGTON STREET.

By - Telegraph.—Press Association,

Wellington, Jan. 3.

Following a fracas which originated in the drunken condition of some of the participants, Mathew Babich, restaurant keeper aged 63, Stephen Bresanella, chef aged 33, John Thorpe, labourer aged 57, and Annie Maria Babich were to-day charged with fighting in a public place. The affair took place at the corner of Cuba and Ghuznee Streets on the evening of Boxing Day. ■For Thorpe it was stated ho was not one of the party, but found himself being belaboured. As he was sober and one-armed, the magistrate took tho view that it was not. likely he attacked the people, and gave him the benefit of the doubt, dismissing the charge against him. * Matthew Babich was further charged with committing' mischief by damaging a cell utensil valued at Ils 6d, and an electric light globe, 4s 6d. Brcsanella was charged with damaging a cell utensil, and Mrs. Babich with disorderly behaviour while drunk. Police evidence showed that there had been a scene when the arrests were made, and, after .being placed, in the cells, the two men started throwing tho utensils around. They were each fined £2, in default 14 days’ imprisonment for fighting, and £1 for mischief, and ordered to make good the damage, in default 14 and 10 days’ imprisonment respectively. Mrs. was fined £2 or 14 days for behaving in a disorderly manner while drunk. The charge of fighting was withdrawn. The magistrate regarded Bresanella and Mrs. Babich as responsible, for the OH®prrence. The manner in which they behaved at the police station, he said, proved they were drunk.