New Britain herald., 1929-07-24
Fiery Battle Between Prosecutor : And Lawyer In Non- Support Case;
 Nair Says Woman Is Good Actress
Higgins Case Produces Fireworks - Mrs. Senus Says Husband Beats Rugs For Living and Beats ~ns Her For Pleasure


 The non support charge against John J. Higgins Jr.. 24, of 32 Cedar street caused a furores1n police court today when Prosecuting Attorney J. G. Woods, Mrs, Higgins. and At torney David L. Nair engaged in a wordy battle which. while brief was quite fiery and caused Court Officer Lanpher 10 rap heavily with his gavel before order was restored.
 Higgins pleaded not guilty to the charge and Attorney Nair wanted a continuance for two weeks, declaring that there were circumstances sur rounding the case which he wished to investigate. It might be shown that Mrs. Higgins was not entitled to support from her husband, he said.
 Judge Saxe wanted to know about arrangements in the interim, and At torney Nair said the child of the couple should be supported and Hig- gins is at present paying S5 week. Prosecuting Attorney Woods said Mrs Higgins is about to enter hos pital as a patient and a long con- tinuance should not be ordered to which Attorney Nair replied that the day she actually became a hospital patient he would come into court and show that she was not entitled to support. She's a good actress he said. adding that she had made an impression on the prosecuting attor- ney but Probation Officer Connolly knew something about the case.
 Who's prosecuting attorney, MT. Connolly or F" remanded Mr. Woods angrily.
 Well. MT. Connolly is an officer of the court, and frequently prosecu- ton is not the best way to handle these cases" Attorney Nair replied. I'm not here to fight, Mir. Woods, and don't shout at me. I'm going to tell my side of the story"
 Would Slap His Face
 Mrs. Higgins, in reply to ques- ton. said she was planning to enter the hospital Friday morning. This case should be tried this week, Your Honor" MT. Woods declared, and another argument broke out, At torney Nair accusing Mrs. Higgins Of having slapped her husband face in Mir. Woods office, to which Mrs. Higgins retorted. Yes. I slap ped his face and I'll slap it again. No, you won't slap anyone'S face" Attorney Nair told her, add k~~ IoI judge could hear you
 Judge Sake asked that a date fol trial be decided on without further argument and Officer Lanpher rap ped for order. It was decided to tr! the case July 3l.
 Beats Rugs and Wife
 Frank Senus, 37, of 47 Thornle, street. charged with non-support was represented by Attorney Charles w. Tamulonis and Monro S. Gordon, and after consderabl testimony was before the co0r Judge Sake recommended that Pro bation Officer Connolly make a, effort to reconcile the couple. "Thi case, l believe, is easily reconcil able he remarked and he contin eed it until August % on probation
 Mrs. Senus accused her husbah Of drinking and playing with wom en and girls Hast Saturday found him ill such a dirty place. she said. He was so drunk he di not know me and he kicked m out Asked by Prosecuting Attorre Woods where the place was she re piled "S0 Sheldon street, Hartford. She described it as "a pool room gambling place, and hooch place.
 Comes Home When Broke
 Senus, according to his wifi, beating rugs in Hartford and he al so makes a practice of beating he,
 Does he come home ever night2" Mir Woods asked her.
 No" she replied.
 When does he come home? ?" h asked her.
 When he's broke" was the ar swer.
 And then do you give him nor ey?" he asked.
 Sure I do. He beats me if don't" she answered.
 Husband Spent Her Money
 Questioned by Attorney Gordol Mrs. Senus said she had SS,000 year ago and invested it in re; estate Her husband used conside, able of her money, writing checl for $50 and s100 week after Wee and going away to spend it gan bling and drinking. IL was thrt weeks, she believed, since he Ia given her any money. She admitte