SEAMAN CHARGED WITH OBTAINING GOODS AND MONEY BY THREATS

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 September 1950, Page 5

SEAMAN CHARGED WITH OBTAINING GOODS AND MONEY BY THREATS

AUCKLAND, Last Night (PA).— Charged that with intent to extract clothing and articles valued at £lB, and £l5 In money from Brian Victor Saunders, and he threatened Saunders with force, Joseph Sidney Smith, aged 23, seaman and driver, appeared in the Police Court. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Saunders said he was aged 20 and was an apprentice cabinetmaker. Ha had known accused for some time but knew him as Joseph Sidney Taylor. For a time he lived on accused's yacht. Accused went away to Thames for a time while witness was living on the yacht. Witness said that when accused came back he told witness that the battery of his radio was ruined. Accused held witness responsible for this, and told witness he owed three weeks’ board, a total of £6, although witness had been living there for only one week. “He wanted a total of £15,” continued witness. "I said I did not owe him that much, and did not have that much money anyway. Accused then went through my belongings and took my camera, a sport coat and drawing instruments.” Witness alleged that accused then put his hand on his shirt and told witness he would have to hand over his watch and cigarette lighter. When witness refused, accused hit him about the head three or four times.

Saunders said he was slightly deaf and had been told that head injuries might be -dangerous. He therefore gave accused his watch and lighter. At accused’s request, he then wrote an 1.0. U. for £l5. When he refused to sign, accused told him he would “beat him up again.” Witness also alleged, that accused forced him to write two confessions saying he had broken into another yacht and stolen some stores. The confessions also said that, accused took no part in the theft from the yacht. After this witness said he left the yacht. He did not complain to the police until August 19 as he was afraid accused would produce the confessions.