CHARGE OF ASSAULT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2143, 27 July 1907, Page 1

CHARGE OF ASSAULT.

A charge of assault was preferred against Robert Leslie and James Leslie by John Middleton at tho Police Court yesterday morning, before Mr. Barton, S.M. Mr. Stock appeared for the informant, and Mr. H. Bright for tho two accused.

John Middleton deposed that he was a roadman in the employ of the Cook County Council. He was working at Wharekopae on the 18th inst and saw the two accused there. On the day previous he accused them of committing a breach of the County bye-laws, by driving 6 horses in a 4 wheeled vehicle with springs, which had tyres less than 3 inches wide. Robert Leslie said he was not driving 6 horses, and witness replied that he was. On the following morning witness again saw them on the same road. Both the accused were driving waggons and stopped when they got to witness. They bade him good morning and both got off their waggons. James Leslie took off his coat, and said, “What

have you got to say to me,” and witness asked him what lie meant. He

then, caught the witness by the throat anti his brother Robert Leslie .also caught him by the legs. They threw witness down a bank, a distance of about 3or 4 yards. They followed him down, and Robert Leslie placed liis knees in witness’ stomach, and said to his brother, “Let me kill the —,let me kick his ribs in.” James Leslie said “No, we must not kick him.” The two accused had a quarrel between themselves and the witness escaped. They followed him for a short distance and then returned to their waggons saying that they would catch the next , the mailman. Wit-

ness next saw George Robb, and showed him the injuries he had received. Witness was not able to do anything that evening in. consequence of the assault, but came into town the next day to consult Dr. Coker. By Mr. Bright: There had been no angry words between the two accused and witness previous to the assault. George Robb stated he saw complainant on the 18tli at his own residence and he showed witness his injuries. Mr. Middleton had a mark

down his neck which looked like a scratch. His throat also appeared to be discolored. The accused reserved their defence and were committed to stand their trial at the no jet sitting of the Supreme Court'. Bail was allowed in self of £IOO each or two surities of £SO, or one of £IOO.