ASSAULT IN NORTH STREET.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 11 June 1924, Page 5

ASSAULT IN NORTH STREET.

A MILD DISTURBANCE. At the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, before Mr it. D. Mosley S.M., r oter Smith was charged wun assaulting Joseph Henry Best, and with committing a breach of his prohibition order. Defendant, who was represented by. Mr Emslie, pleaded guilty to both charges. Senior Sergeant Fahey. stated that at about 7.3 U p.m. on June 7th, defendant was alleged to have accosted the complainant in North Street, and after a short argument had knocked him down and kicked him. Joseph Henry Best, a labourer, residing in North Street, stated that on June 7th, he was passing his mothers house and heard delendant arguing with his mother He wont inside and ordered him oh the premises. Defendant then struck him and knocked him down, after which he put in the “boot.” To Mr Emslie: Before ordering Smith off the premises lie first went tor -liis brother, ten or fifteen minutes elapsing before he returned. Smith told witness’s mother that witness was a mongrel, and that lie was circulating false stories reflecting upon his honesty. Complainant din not strike defendant, but put out his hand to ward him off. Ralph Best, a brother of complainant, said that he was having tea when his brother came and told him that Smith was annoying their mother. He went over to the house and had a talk to Smith, who then went away. About ten or fifteen minutes later they were standing talking in North Street, when Smith came up and struck at liis brother, who fell to the ground. ■■ his brother was on Llie ground Smith kicked him. Mr Emslie said that the whole ailair was merely a storm in a tea cup. Defendant, on hearing rumours to the effect that he had stolen it. wallet from a man, went to Mrs Best s house to inquire for complainant, who he considered was responsible for circulating the. stories. The Best brothers then appeared on the scene, and some time later the argument was continued in North Street-. Smith pushed at complainant, who fell in the gutter. Ho contended that whatever assault had taken place was justifiable. Defendant was arrested and had been imprisoned until the next morning when he was released on bail. The defendant- stated that ho had gone to sec Mrs Best in connection with some rent, and while there, spoke to her about the rumours circulated bv Harrv Best, 'the two brothers oamo up, and’ be then left the premises. Shortly afterwards he saw them in the street,' and he went up and struck at, Harry Best, who ran behind his brother. He gave him n push and ho fell in the gutter. Defendant ihen staved there talking with the brother, until the police came and arrested ! "m,. Mosley said that the ease, was iii no wav a serious one, and taking into consideration the fact that defendant bad already been in gaol for a nieht would fine him 10s and costs. For the breach of the Prohibition order defendant would be fined 20s and costs.