Wednesday, 16th September, 1863

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1958, 17 September 1863, Page 3

Wednesday, 16th September, 1863

Edward Barnard — Charged with drunkenness on the 21st of August last, but who had been admitted to bail by the Inspector of Pclice, was brought up on that charge and fined ss. Bobt, Few v. James Phelps — Damages .£10 — Claimed for cutting down timber on the land of the plaintiff, who is au absentee, but represented by -Mr Brandon—Judgment for 20s and costs 17s. Patrick Cassin, a trooper of the Colonial Defence Force, was charged by Eichard Barry, lance corporal of the same Force, with having violently assaulted him while in the execution of his duty. — Richard Barry said— l was on guard duty ; the defendant wa* absent at rollcall tattoo ; I told the sentinel to bring the defendant to the guard room when he came in ; about eleven o'clock, the sentinel brought the defendant to the guard room ; he asked me what he was brought for; I told him for being absent from barracks at roll call ; and that I h»d been told to put him in the guard room , the defendant asked for permission to go for his bed and blankets ; I refused; he struck me unawares with Iw fist a violent blow on the eye, and attempted a second time to strike me, but was prevented by the guard, and handcuffed; he said if he got me out in the bunh, he would take care to settle me ; he wh3 not quite drunk, and knew well what he was about; before he struck me, there was no angry word from him, nor appearance of violence; he said it was the second time I had interfered with him. Thomas Wallace, another trooper, on oath said — I was on duty on the guardroom on this occasion; J was lying on the table | with my head covered over; onheaiing angry words, I uncovered my head, and saw the defendant strike the complainant a blow on the face with his \ clenched fist ; it was but one blow, but a very violent one, by which the complainant's face is now disfigured with two very black eyes and bruised nose ; the complainant did not attempt to defend himself; the defendant was drunk and very much' excited — Committed to prison for oue month, wit'i hard labour.