POLICE WERE CALLED TO ACCUSED'S HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19035, 2 April 1930, Page 11

POLICE WERE CALLED TO ACCUSED'S HOUSE.

Harry Franklin Wootton, a young man residing at 29, St John Street, Sydenham, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court this morning with failure to comply with the terms of his probation. He pleaded not guilty. The Probation Officer, Mr W. H. Darby' - , said that accused was convicted on June 4. 1929. for the theft of fowls. Since his release on probation he had made no progress. Owing to numerous complaints Mr Darby had received, he had been compelled to take action. The conduct of accused was entirely reprehensible. Mr Darby said that the direct cause of the prosecution dated back seven or eight days when the Sydenham police were called to accused’s house. “The accused was kicking up a rumpus.” said Mr Darby, “and struck his wife. He is too fond of drink and other men’s wives. He has treated his wife in a shameful manner although she is in a certain condition. This also happened when his wife had her first child.” Continuing, Mr Darby said that he had had complaints from accused’s landlord, neighbours and others. Asked if he had any questions, the accused said that he wished to hear the evidence against him. A police sergeant said that he had been called to accused’s home, where he found accused’s wife in tears. She told witness that she had been struck over the mouth. The accused said that the evidence was not correct. Wootton was convicted and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour.