Scene in the Divorce Court.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9025, 24 March 1898, Page 2

Scene in the Divorce Court.

A HUSBAND ASSAULTS HIS

WIFE.

SENT TO GAOL FOE CONTEMPT,

The wonted serenity of the Sydney Divorce Court was rudely disturbed on March 14th by an incident which ulti mately resulted in the committal for contempt of Court of a man named George Henry M'Nicol. The Court was considering the suit of Brewster v. Brewster when a man, obviously | I laboring under iateuse excitement, rushed towards the bench whereupon Mr Justice Simpson sat, and in loud tones, demanded permission to enter an appearance. Flinging his hat ou the platform, he folded his arms and glared defiantly at the Judge. His Honor jß<iwt4 the wftwtafo a»me, I

and tbe latter supplied it as George Henry M'NicoJ. M'Nicol v. M'Nieol was amongst the suits listed for the day, but it had not then been reached. Acquainted of that fact the man apologised to the Court and sat on a form near the litigants' seat. At the end of the seat nearest to M'Nicol sat the latter's wife, waiting to be called as petitioner for divorce. Suddenly the Court was thrown iDto commotion! as M'Nicol sprang from his seat and poured upon his wife a shower of vicious blowß. Fortunately they were wildly aimed, and the man was quickly seized by half-a-dozen spectators, but the onslaught had been sufficiently effective to cause Mrs M'NicoPs face to become much swollen.

His Honor peremptorily ordered a constable to be summoned, and instructed those who were holding the man, despite his struggles, to detain him.

M'Nieol (excitedly): She knows what it's all about.

His Honor (to the woman): Is the man drunk ?

Mrs M'Nieol: No, your Honoi", it's only his temper.

A constable at this stage appeared, and brought the man forward in custody.

His Honor {to the man) : Have you been drinking ? M'Nieol: No, I am excited and annoyed. His Honor: You have behaved in a brutal manner to your wife, and I have been guilty of gross contempt of Court. Have you anything to say why you should not be sent to gaol ?

M'Nieol in response drew a sheaf of papers from his pocket, spread them on the barristers' table, and asserted in a loud voice that he required an adjournment. He had been the victim of a combination of women and solicitors and the officials of the Court. The latter had deceived him, and placed obstacles in. his way when he tried to enter an appearance.

His Honor; You have been guilty of contempt of Court, to say nothing of the outrage on your wife. For that you must be punished.

M'Nicol (shrieking in anger and excitement ): I wish to stay proceedings on the ground of illegal operation and burning of the child, I have been crippled for cash ; they have all the advantage on their side. I will expose it all, and you will see that some of the highest women in the land are concerned in the illegal practices. I want to bring out the truth. H.s Honor (to Mr Fraser, solicitor for the petitioner) : Is the woman now in a fit state to go on with the case ?

M'Nicol : I refuse to go on now. I want an adjournment. She has money and I have not.

M'Nicol made further statements, in which he charged the Court officials with, obstructing his movements.

His Honor: I sentence you to be imprisoned until Friday tcorniug, for contempt of Uourt. W hen you come here then I would advise you to be calmer. I can assure you that I will see that no injustice is done you. M'Nicol repeated his allegations against the officers of the Court, and his Honor sent for Mr Leary, Chief Clerk in Divorce. Mr Leary said he had met M'Nicol and had given him all reasonable advice.

M'Nicol: They told me I must get a solicitor.

Hfa Honor (to Mr Leary ): Is that so?

Mr Leary: No, your HoDor, I always advise parties to consult solicitors, but I never told them such alcourse is compulsory. ?His Honor, M'Nicol): Do you wish to deny that you are an habitual drunkard, and left your wife without means of support ? —Yes. Very well, you will have an opportunity to do so. Constable, now remove the man.

His Honor then adjourned the case until Friday, and advised that when next petitioner attended the court she should sit in a position less accessible to her husband.