AN OLD FRIEND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17179, 24 October 1923, Page 8

AN OLD FRIEND.

VISIT NOT WELCOMED. “ i'll break in and cut your throat from ear to ear, ’ was one of the threats alleged to have, sent Gertrude Maude Bremner flying from a dwellinghouse in Lin wood to shelter in a neighbour’s house one day last week. There was a sequel at the Magistrate's Court to-day when Thomas Turnbull (Mr Charles) was charged with having broken and entered the dwelling-house of A. E. W'interburn. Barbour Street, Liu wood, with intent to commit a crime. Gertrude Maude Bremner, a young woman, said that she heard somebody try the front door and then the backdoor of the house of which she was housekeeper. The windows and doors were locked, and she did not answer. Early in the evening there was more knocking, and a man called out. She recognised the voice as tliat of Turnbull. He made, a great noise and said. “I will shoot you.” later he said “I’ll break in and cut your throat from ear to ear.” She then heard glass break and ran in next door. To the Magistrate: She had lived with Turnbull as man and Avife two years ago, but she had had nothing to do with him for a yearArthur Ernest Winterburn. of Barbour Street, Linwood. said that the previous witness was his housekeeper. The accused had called at his house late one night asking to see her. Louis AY. Ormandy, wlvo lives next door to Winterburn’s. said that the woman came into his house in an excited state and told him that a man Ava.; breaking into the house. He went into Winterburn.’s and saw the accused, whose hand AA r as bleeding. The witness asked him how lie injured his hand and he said fixing a gas meter. They left the house, but on coming back again the witness brought his son with him, and they found the pantry window had keen broken. On going inside the * son found Turnbull -hiding in the bath room. In a sort struggle the boy was struck in the eye ’by Turnbull, but the witness then knocked Turnbull out of the door. Turnbull gave his name as Bremner and said that Mrs Bremner was his wife, and all the furniture in Ihe house was his. Turnbull was not very drunk at the time of the affair. The Magistrate held that there was no evidence to show that the accused entered the house to commit a crime. His act was nothing more than that

of a drunken man who was trying to renew his amour witn an old mistress. The information was dismissed.