“NOTMUCH USE GIVING EVIDENCE.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18947, 18 December 1929, Page 9

“NOTMUCH USE GIVING EVIDENCE.”

man is fined for DISORDERLY BEHAVIOUR.

Percy Short, aged fifty years, a motor driver, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, before Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., with disorderly behaviour in Colombo Street, on December 17. Accused, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded not guilty. Herbert Deans Wilkins said that on Tuesday evening in Victoria Square, off Colombo Street, he saw accused strike a man. He ran off and jumped on a passing tram but was either put off or got off himself. It was at a busy time, about 5.30 p.m., and a big crowd collected.

Accused asked witness if he could not have got away if he had tried. “ You tried to but you were too well watched,” was the reply. “You tried to hide behind a post.” “Are you sure it was me? ” “ Yes, certain.”

A second witness said he was cycling through the square when he heard an altercation. He saw two men come to blows. Two women tried to separate them. Later accused, who had gone away, rushed back and knocked the other man down. He jumped on to a tram but some of the crowd went after him and stopped the tram. A policeman came along and arrested him. To accused: You might have got away if you had wanted to. The man you struck was bleeding at the mouth. Mary Congers said she saw the affair. There were “ two big strapping men and a little man.” Two women tried to stop two of them fighting, but accused hit one of the other men, and knocked him on his back. “It was a cowardly thing to do,” she added. “ There’s a mistake somewhere,” said accused. “ I am not the man, but its not much use giving evidence.” He was convicted and fined £5 and costs.

“Yes, I’ve got the money,” he told le Magistrate.