SUPREME COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 56, 8 March 1899, Page 5

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.—YESTERDAY

(Before Mr Justice Conolly.)

Theft. —A young man named James Ireland pleaded not guilty to a charge of having on February 2. at Auckland, stolen one watch from the person of John Quinn, and of having received the same. The accused was not represented by counsel. Evidence was given by the prosecutor and Detective Maddern. The accused also gave evidence on his own behalf. In crossexamination by Mr Tole, he admitted having been convicted previously on seven charges of theft, and to havingserved several months in Mt. Eden Gaol. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Detective Maddern said the prisoner was a worthless character and was addicted to drink. His Honor said it was a shocking thing that a well brought-up young man like the accused should have taken to crime. The accused was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.

A Stolen Bicycle.—A man named Arthur Charles Hollo pleaded not. guilty to a charge of having on Oct. 9. 1897, stolen a bicycle, the property of Peter Smith and P. A. Smith, oC Auckland. The evidence for the prosecution was to the effect that the accused hired a bicycle to take part in a procession, and Was to pay the sum of three shillings and sixpence for the use of it, but failed to re* turn it, and pawned it instead. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Detective. Bailey said that at the time the offence was committeed the man was only a day or two out of gaol. The prisoner was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment with hard labour.