RETIRED SAILOR IN COURT

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1930, Page 13

RETIRED SAILOR IN COURT

ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT THOMAS CRAWFORD APOLOGISES. “PAY COSTS OR GO TO PRISON.” “Ah, a retired sailor,” said Mr. R. W. Tate, S.M., in the New Plymouth Magistrate’s Court yesterday when Thomas Crawford, charged with assault and acting in an insulting manner towards Arthur B. Gibson, land agent, in Egmont Street on April 3, explained that after being a sailor for 30 years he had spent the last two years in New Plymouth, living upon his savings. Defendant, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded not guilty. Arthur B Gibson said that just before lunch on April 3 he was talking to Mr. J. S. S. Medley in Egmont Street when Crawford approached in a menacing attitude and sjtat at his feet. “Speak up; I can't hear; I’m a little •deaf,” interrupted defendant. A court official told him -to go close to the wit-ness-box and be silent. Defendant stepped alongside the witness-box but -was moved back a little by the magistrate.

Complainant continued his evidence, stating that Crawford had then flourished before him a paper, at the same time making complaints and using language which was “not of the best.” “What were the words [ used?” asked defendant, leaning towards the wit-ness-box.

“I have a temper,” said the complainant, “and if the law does not take action against this man I will take it into my own hands and slap his face.” Mr. Tate asked defendant to move back and told him he. would get a chance to ask any questions later on. Continuing his evidence, complainant said he was shown some dates in connection with a deposit on a purchase agreement that had previously come before the court. Mr. Medley then left and witness reprimanded Crawford for spitting and swearing. Defendant advanced" upon witness, “hustling” him with his shoulder. THOUGHT HE WAS SOBER. In reply to Mr. Tate witness said he thought Crawford was sober. He did not know him ve»y well and had only one previous business transaction with him. “1 said I’d put my hands in my pockets and give him a fair go,” said Crawford when asked what had taken place on April 3. He declared he spat because he had to and denied the swearing charge, adding that he had “dropped” that kind of words 30 years ago. J. S. S. Medley in evidence said he was talking with Gibson in Egmont Street when defendant approached and pushed in between them. Hearing something about “land” he thought it a business matter of Gibson’s and moved on. “He’s never smiled for 30 years,” said defendant, continuing his evidence. “I thought I would have a joke with him; that’s all.” Mr. Tate: In order to make him smile? Defendant: Yes. If he had been a soldier, sailor or in the mercantile marine he would have taken it in the right spirit and taken me for a “spot.” In answer to Senior-Sergeant McCrorio Crawford said he had not threatened complainant since that date. He had known him by sight for 30 years, having called at New Plymouth several times in the 'course of his seafaring career. "However, I know him now; he is a true disciple of Ananias,” added Crawford. “DO AS YOU LIKE, CHIEF.” Mr, Tate said defendant had not gone the right way about it to make Gibson or anyone else laugh. "The question is what am I going to do with you?” Defendant: Do as you like chief, I'm easy. Mr. Tate: You are liable to a fine or imprisonment.' Defendant: Then it will have to be imprisonment; 1 have no more money. Mr. Tate: Gibson is entitled to your apology. Apologise to him and I'll treat the matter leniently; otherwise it will be serious. Defendant admitted he had been rude and then called, "Come on Gibson, where are you?” Mr. Tate: Say “Mr. Gibson.” Defendant then apologised, saying he was sorry if he had hurt Mr. Gibson. He knew he had not hurt him physically, and if Mr. Gibson was hurt it must be in his mind. He said he would not even say “good morning” in future. He intended to go to the States. Mr. Tate: Very good. Perhapsi they’ll understand your jokes over there. You are ordered to pay costs 16s. ’ Gibson said there was no justification for the reference to Arianias and asked that it be withdrawn. Mr. Tate said everything had been withdrawn in the apolgy. Defendant: What is the option to paying these costs? Mr. Tate: . Fourteen days’ imprisonment.

Defendant: It will have to be gaol.