The Courts.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 504, 17 January 1906, Page 5

The Courts.

MAGISTRATE'S COURT, BLACKS.

Thursday, January 11th, 1906

(Before J. M'Ennis, Esq., S.M.)

George Basan was charged with the theft from Neil Kearney, of £l2, being an indictable offence. Sergeant Crawford conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr J, R. Bartholomew appeared for the accused. After a lengthy bearing lasting till 10 p.m., accused was discharged. Evidence for the prosecution was given by Neil Kearney, Archibald Fraser, Constable Kennedy, W. Dickison, R. Crawford, and W. Wallace. Mr Bartholomew submitted there was no case to answer, but His Worship ruled that a prima facie case had been made out. Evidence was then given for the defence by accused, F. Huddlestone, Johnstone, and C. Basan. *

Counsel addressed the court, submitting that no jury could convict on the evidence, which was purely circumstantial, and indeed was stronger against one of the Crown witnesses than against accused, and that accused's conduct, though foolish, was perfectly consistent with his innocence. His Worship dismissed the charge, stating that though there were suspicious circumstances, a strong enough case had not been made out to send to a jury.

Thomas M'Dermott was charged with entering the premises of D. Brown, of Tiger Hill, and stealing goods to the value of £l2. Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.