SUPREME COURT.—Criminal Sessions.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 236, 7 October 1886, Page 3

SUPREME COURT.—Criminal Sessions.

(Before His Honor Mr Justice Ward.)

Tbue Bills. —The following true bills were returned by the Grand Jury after our reporter left yesterday :— A. D. Bennett, perjury ; J. L. Martin and Daniel Dooley, extortion by threats ; also for pig stealing and larceny (three counts); C. F. Baker, larceny as a bailee; J. Colley and 11. Jones, burglary and receiving ; J. Bradie, alias Brodie, uttering ; ditto, false pretences ; J. Kay, libel. No True Bills. In six indictments for embezzlement preferred against William Marwaod English, the Grand Jury returned no true bills. The Grand Jury, in closing their labours, made a presentment to the effect that they would suggest that prisoners of tender yearß (as in the case of Humphries and YVeston) charged with any criminal offence should be placed in come proper place of detention other than a common gaol. They also hoped that such a house of detention would soon be established in this provincial dietrict. Embezzling Moneys.—ln the case of Gr. Harcourt, Mr O'Meajjher examined Captain Miller and Messrs Gillan, Gray, (Official Assignee's office), Herbert (detective), and Gooawin. All these witnesses spoke highly of his past character.-His Honor, in passing sentence, taid be took into account the good character hitherto borne by witness, and sentenced him to twelve months' hard labour on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently—that is, 12 months in all. i> Cattle Stealing,— Thomas Carter and Hugh Macanally, oharged with cattle stealing at Hautapu, were found guilty by the

jury after a ehort deliberatioa, and sentenced to three years' penal servitude. Larceny or Pic; Iron.—Henry Williams ploaded guilty to tho chargo of stealing a dozen hurdredweight of pig iron ; also to another chargo of etealins nine hundredweights of iron.—His Honor sentenced prisoner to six months'hard labour on each chargo, the two sentences to run concurrently, that is, six months in all.

Cattle Stealing.—Dennia Murphy was indicted on tho charge of having driven away with felonious intont a steer, tbe tho property of leaac Coatee, on the 6th of July last. There were also other similar charges against prisoner. Mr O'Meaghor appeared as counsel for the prisoner.— Isaac Coates, a farmer at Hamilton, had hia cattta all branded. Hia brand was well known. Tho steor in question was branded about Juno, ISSo. The beaet was, with btliers, running on a bush reservo close t* the bain. Accused worked for witness about two years ago, and must havo known witness's brand. In July he heard that the steer was missing. Ho went to Ohaupo, about 12 miles from witness's farm, and identified hia beast there. —Goorge Edward White, examined, said ho saw the accused driving cattle near Mr Coates'a house on the morning of the Gth of July. Ho was going towards Ohaupo by tho back road, It would be tho usual way. Ono of these cattle reaembled strongly one afterwards claimed by Mr Coates.—William .7. Huntor, of Ohaupo, bought a steer, afterwards claimed by Mr Coatea. The brand was clear. All the cattle bought of tho prisoner wero claimed by different people.—William Murray, constable, remembered going to Ohaupo with Mr Coates to claim a beaet in Mr bunter'B paddock.—Const ible Murray was called for the defence, and gave evidence as to the giod character of the prisoner. —Mr O'Meagher then asked His Honor that the prisoner might address tho jury. This was allowed, and tho CrowD Prosecutor replied.—The jury found the prisoner not guilty.—The other charges against him wero withdrawn, and prisoner quitted the dock. The charge arising .out of alleged outrage by gumdiggers on a Fronch storekeeper in W hangarei district is proceeding as wo go to press.