ALLEGATION OF ROBBERY

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1934, Page 7

ALLEGATION OF ROBBERY

VIVID STORY FROM SEAMAN USE OF VIOLENCE SUGGESTED. MEETING NEAR POST OFFICE. ALLEGED LOSS OF TEN POUNDS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. A vivid story of a robbery alleged to have occurred at the rear of the chief post office late on Thursday night was told by a seaman, David Hook, in the Police Court yesterday morning, when William Keogh, aged’ 32, a seaman, and Robert Reidy, aged 44, a tailor, were each charged with robbing Hook of £lO 15s after using personal violence. Hook will sail in the Huia on Monday, so his evidence will be taken on deposition. He said that in response to a telegram he left his lodging at 10.30 for the post office to send money to a friend at Lyttelton. He had two £5 notes and 15 shillings in silver. He met Reidy, whom he had known for five years, and told Reidy he was telegraphing money. Reidy, Hook alleged, suggested a visit to a hotel. Four other men accompanied them. Admission to the hotel was refused, after which Reidy accompanied the complainant to the post office. There Keogh came up and gave the complainant two blows on the jaw. Keogh said to Reidy, “Rat him, Bob! I’ll watch him.” Reidy put his hand in complainant’s pockets, extracting the money, and said to Keogh, “Right, Keogh, right.” Keogh said, “Run!” Witness identified Keogh at a parade. The hearing was then adjourned. The magistrate, Mr. McKean, refused bail to Keogh, remarking that had he heard the alleged facts yesterday he might not have allowed Reidy bail.