POLICE COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 152, 28 June 1901, Page 8

POLICE COURT.

THIS DAY

(Before Mr T. Hutchison, S.M.)

Drunkenness.—-Five first offenders were convicted of this offence and discharged. William lnkster was lined 20/ or 7 days' imprisonment in default, while John Joseph Callanan was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment for his seventh offence within six months.

Breaches of Bye-laws.—For obstructing the footpath in Grey-street by placing goods thereon J. Cahill was lined 5/ and costs. For riding a bicycle on the main South Road footpath David Ireland was lined 5/ and costs. A diminutive 'bus leaderrider named Henry McDonald, charged with allowing his horse to wanders Wellesley-street, was discharged. For riding a horse on the footpath of the main South Road James Marshall Laiug was lined 5/ and costs. Separation Orders.—Harriet Tapp applied for a separation order against her husband, Thomas Tapp,' on the ground of cruelty. Evidence, as to the cruelty was given by complainant and her daughter. This" showed that the cruelty had extended over two days. Mr Reed, who appeared for the defence, submitted that there, should be evidence of persistent cruelty before an order could be granted, and that there had been provocation in this case. The defendant gave evidence, in which he denied striking his wife, and alleged provocation. His Worship granted the order as prayed, defendant to pay £1 week. Florence May Hill applied for a separation order against Frank William Hill on the ground that defendant had ceased to provide her with maintenance. Defendant consented to the order, which was granted. Alleged Assault.—Arthur Johnson, who was charged a few days ago with assaulting Christopher Saunders on April 13th, so as to cause him actual bodily harm, was again brought up. Evidence was taken in the case when it first came up. Accused now gave evidence on his own behalf. He said that on the night in question while walking with a girl at the corner of Albert and Swanson streets, Saunders came up behind him and said "good night," and then bumped deliberately into witness. They then had a few words. Witness was taking off" his coat when Saunders "slung" him down. Saunders then struck witness on the back. Witness then struck him in the face. Saunders then picked up witness' hat and ran away with it, witness chasing him. After running about 200 yards Saunders tripped on a crbssing and fell, witness being some 15 or 10 yards from him at the time. There was no truth in the suggestion that witness tripped Saunders. When witness got up to Saunders the latter said "I've tripped and broke my leg." Saunders was under the influence of liquor. To Sergeant Forbes: Witness was perfectly sober and was not acquainted with accused. Samuel Johnson deposed to seeing Saunders fall. At that moment accused was not near Saunders, and there was no possibility of Saunders having been tripped by accused. Saunders said he fell. Accused appeared to be perfectly sober. There was a smell of liquor about Saunders. His Worship said that he did not think there was intent to do actual bodily harm on the part of Johnson, and he would therefore dismiss the ease. The police could, if they wished, lay a I charge of common assault. ._ j