CONTRADICTORY EVIDENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16508, 19 August 1921, Page 7

CONTRADICTORY EVIDENCE.

CASE BREAKS DOWN. A charge of wilful damage brought against Charles Grodosky, a greaser employed on board the s.s. Alaori, broke down at the Alagistrato’s Court this morning. The charge against Grodosky was that yesterday ho wilfully damaged three window panes, valued at £2 7s 6d, a gas ring valued at ss, and a table valued at £1 10s, the property of AA alter William Horning, who resides at 310. Oxford Terrace. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, was represented bv Air C. S. Thomas. Complainant said that yesterday accused called at his place and asked for a. Aliss Rolleston. Witness told him that no one of that name lived there. Thereupon, accused became abusive, and flourished a revolver. About half an hour later Grodosky returned, and smashed three window panes. AVhilst witness was away ringing up the police, accused burst open the front door and committed damage in the kitchen. A small boy, son of the camplainant. said he saw' accused pointing a revolver at his father and saying that he would kill him. It was his sister, and not his father, who went for the police. Senior-Sergeant Kelly said that accused had been searched for the revolver. but it had not been found on him. Tho daughter gave evidence that contradicted that oF the other two witnesses in several respects. Mr Thomas: Are you all telling the truth ? Witness: Part of the truth. Air Thomas: Until you tell mo which portion of your evidence is true?— Aline F all Hue. Mr Thomas said that accused bad known Aliss Rolleston for about three and a half 7, ears. A'esterday he had gone to Horning’s place to look for her as he had done on previous occasions. He met Horning, who told him that Aliss Rolleston was not there. Accused left the place and returned later to look for her. He went into the kitchen and called out Aliss Rolleston’s name several times. However, he got no answer anil, was coining away when a policeman entered the house and arrested him. Accused denied that he had committed the damage or that ho had flourished tho revolver—in fact, he did not possess a revolver. Accused, who spoko very broken English, gave* evidence Tn giving judgment, the Magistrate said he was convinced Horning was keeping back something The three witnesses for the police had contradicted each other in almost every respect. Hie information would be* dismissed.