POLICE COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 30, 5 February 1925, Page 7

POLICE COURT.

(Before Mr. J. W. Poynton, iS.M., ami Mr. J. H. Fray, J.P.) ALL OVER A COW. "Guilty under provocation," pleaded Joseph Wadley (.i2) to the charge against him that he did assault Montague Garment yesterday. Constable Birch said that about .V.:'o last evening Garmont approached him and stated that he had been assaulted. Complainant went with witness and pointed accused out. Garmont was blooding from the effects of a blow received. Complainant did not appear this morning. Accused explained that shortly after 5 o'clock last night he was down by the Tepid Baths. Complainant was taking a cow along the street when lie lost control of it. The cow was stopped by three, small boys. Witness remarked to complainant that he ought to be thankful lo the boys for stopping the animal from doing some damage, whereupon Garmont took his coat off and shaped up to witness. "Thinking that he was going to hit mc. I defended myself and hit him first," added witness. Mr. Poynton: Taking everything into consideration, we will fine you fl and costs. PROBATION IMPOSSIBLE. A young man. Stanley Hoffman, (Mr. Allan Moody) when charged with stealing a watch valued at £.'!. the properly of Albert Tvainor, and also, oil nine charges, with failing to account to his employer, A. R. Kayner, for £44 4/, and fraudulently converting that sum to his own use, pleaded guilty and elected to bo dealt with summarily.

Senior Detective R. Ward stated that accused, between August and December of last year, had been employed at Htintly in charge of a tailor's shop. He was employed on piece work, and during that time, committed the thefts of various sums totalling £44 4/. The theft of the watch was a particularly mean one. Accused had been to Jlr. Trainor's bouse and knew when tho occupants would be away. He went back and stole the watch. Nothing previously was known against accused, who was 25 years of age.

Mr. Moody pointed out that accused had been in gaol 14 days awaiting sentence, and he asked that this should be taken into consideration. Possibly accused might be admitted to probation. If given that opportunity lie would make restitution.

Mr. Poynton: AVhat is his vice—■ racing, gambling, women ?

Mr. Moody: No sir, just pure unadulterated muddling. If his employer bad watched the books closely things might have been better.

Mr. Poynton: To grant probation in this case would only be abusing the privilege and encouraging others. Accused not only stole from his employer over a long period; lie also stole a watch under mean circumstances. On the charge of stealing the watch he will be given three months' imprisonment, and three months on one of the other charges, the sentences to be concurrent. He will also be placed on probation for three years, and ordered to make restitution of £44 4/.