THE ASSAULT IN MADRAS STREET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4537, 8 November 1882, Page 3

THE ASSAULT IN MADRAS STREET.

A SCOUNDREL PUNISHED. At the Police Court, this morning, before 0. Whitefoord and H. We«tenr», E«qra. f James Patrick was aeeueed of violently asiaulting John Laurenson, on Nov. 5, and alio with using obscene language. Prisoner admitted the first offence, but Inspector Ponder aslced the B«noh to hear the evidence. John Laureneon, a oarpentfr, residing at Avonvi'lo, stated that on (Sunday evening he was in Madras street north, and noticed prisoner sitting on the footpath. He called to witness to stop. On the way down witness passed a young lady going towards the bridge. Heard the young lady cry out, and also heard the accused use very insulting language to her. Witness wont up and told prisoner he ought to be ashamed of himself, and walked with the young lady towards her hosae. Shortly after the accrued ran wp with his coat off, and told witness ho would give him the " flowers of Edinburgh," und that his name was James Patrick. He struck witness several times, wrested his walking stick from him, and hit.witne»B with it. During the struggle the young lady ran off. There was another man with prisoner, but he did not interfere. Two witnenes corroborated the foregoing evidence. The prisoner, in answer to the Bevch, said he was very sorry it had taken place. If he had another chance given him he would clear out of Christchuroh. The Beech considered prisoner's conduct had been very disgraoeful. They were determined, so far as lay in their power, to put a stop to cuch oonduct. They regretted they could cot order a flogging, as this was the only thing that would affeot a ruffian like the prisoner, who cared not what pain he inflioted on others. Sentenced to two months' hard labour for the assault, and fined £5, or in default fourteen days' hard labour for using obscene language.