PETWORTH.
ASSAULT.—At the Justices’ Clerk’s Office, Thursday, 20th January, before Hasler Hollist and John Napper, Esqrs.,
— John Harding was charged with assaulting Andrew Wallace Lloyd.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.—Plaintiff said: I am manager for Messrs. Dierden and Buxton, contractors on the Petersfield railway. The defendant is a driver under me. On the 26th inst., I sent Harding to Buriton for some lime with another carter. They returned at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Harding was drunk — so drank that he could not manage his horses. One had fallen and was injured. I asked for the horse sheets which were missing. He said his mate had them. In consequence of the defendant being drunk I gave his horses in charge of another person. I said to a person named Glue take this man’s horses; and on my saying so prisoner said (putting his hand to my nose) “I will snib your nose off, you ⎯⎯.” I said vou had better be quiet and get sober.” He then said as you have sacked me you must give me an order to get my money; whereupon I said tomorrow morning when I have examined the horses and sheets I will give you the order, but not till then. I was putting on my coat to get into the cart when the prisoner pushed me by the arm, saying you sha’nt go, and he put his clenched fist in my face. He clung to the shaft of the cart, and I had great difficulty in getting away, When I said the prisoner pushed me by the arm, I mean he struck me under the arm. The assault took place at Harting.—Cross-examined: On the Tuesday you said you should have your ⎯⎯ money. You was drunk on the Monday. You left your horses in the slush.—Harding was convicted in penalty and costs 12s., or to be committed for 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labor