TUTAENUI FARMER ORDERED TO KEEP THE PEACE

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 January 1948, Page 2

TUTAENUI FARMER ORDERED TO KEEP THE PEACE

THREATENS MARTON GIRL WITH AN AXE (0.C.) Marton, Jan. 27. How a Tutaenui farmer, over the past three years, had forced his attentions on an unwilling Marton girl, had telephoned her home between 30 and 40 times a day, and had threatened her with an axe, was related in the Marton Court this morning when Walter Herbert Hill, aged 30 years, was charged before Mr. A. Coleman, S.M., with wilfully trespassing on complainant’s property and refusing to leave when ordered to do so by the owner. The charge was a sequel to a summons served on defendant by the police on behalf of complainant. It was alleged by complainant, in his civil action, that defendant threatened to assault his daughter with an axe and he requested that defendant find sufficient sureties to keep the peace. Complainant was afraid that defendant would do his daughter grievous bodily harm and made the complaint merely for the preservation of life and person from injury. DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT. “Your conduct is disgraceful. You can't force your attentions upon an unwilling girl. You’ve got to behave yourself and if you come up before me again I will deal with you severely,” said the magistrate, addressing defendant after he had heard the evidence.

Hill was represented by Mr. K. A. Williams, and pleaded guilty to both charges. Sergeant W. J. Brown conducted the police case while Mr. A. M. Ongley (Palmerston North) represented complainant. On the charge of trespassing, Hill was convicted and fined £2. On the civil charge he was ordered to keep the peace on his own recognisance of £5O and two approved sureties of £5O each. Costs amounted to £3 IBs. Sergeant W. J. Brown said that on the night the summons was issued defendant went out to complainant’s house and tried to break in. He was ordered off the place, but refused to go. He said he wanted to see complainant’s daughter and became excited. When the police arrived accused was being held down on the verandah. The sergeant said Hill had been told several times before to keep away from the place. He had been in trouble twice before, charged with assault. Mr. Williams explained that defendant ’.vent to the house after the summons had been served, to see complainant’s daughter to apologise to her and assure her he did not intend to do her any injury. The magistrate deferred penalty until after the second charge had been heard. GIRL’S ENGAGEMENT. Since the girl concerned had become engaged defendant's actions had become worse and more threatening, said Mr. Ongley. Defendant’s mother had given promises that she would keep her son' away from complainant’s place but they had been of no avail. She did not appear to have any influence at all over her son. “Defendant starts ringing up complainant’s home at 6 a.m. and continues until midnight. Sometimes he rings between 30 and 40 times a day,” said Mr. Ongley. At this stage Mr. Ongley quoted to the court some of the telephone conversations carried on by defendant: On November 25, Hill rang and said: "You can't be funny with me. You’ve got it coming to you. You can’t muck up people’s lives and get away with it. You are asking for trouble and you will get it.” “You are not to take any notice of me. I’m not responsible for anything I will do,” was how Hill expressed himself when he rang on December 13. One night a week later he rang and said: "Just as well you are asleep in your bed. Do you want me to come out and finish you. I can’t trust you.’ “BLOW HER BRAINS OUT." On another occasion Hill threatened to blow the girl’s brains out. On January 9 defendant forced his way into the place and when he saw the girl, secured an axe from his car and advanced, waving it over his head, saying: “Now, what about it? If you are going to insult me every time I come, I’ll finish you off for good." “If something is not done to stop him there might be a tragedy in Marton," added Mr. Ongley. Mr. Coleman: Is he mental? This is not the behaviour of a normal man. Sergeant Brown: The doctors won’t certify him. The magistrate asked counsel if Mrs. Hill was in court and on receiving an affirmative reply called her into the body of the court. "This kind of conduct can’t go on," said Mr. Coleman, addressing Mrs. Hill. "Your son will get himself into serious trouble if he persists with such ' conduct. It is most reprehensible.” The magistrate advised Mrs. Hill to have her telephone disconnected. Mr. Coleman then imposed the penalties as stated above.