POLICE COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 143, 18 June 1926, Page 6

POLICE COURT.

(Before Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M.)

WORTHY OF A CHANCE,

"This man has been hanging round the city hotels while out of employment, and, while he has been here before, the offences were nothing serious, and I think he is worthy of a chance," said Senior-Detective Hammond about Jack Whale (45), who admitted that he was an idle and disorderly person with insufficient means of support. Whale was convicted and discharged, Captain Davies, of the Salvation Army, agreeing to take care of him until he gets on his feet again. BEHAVED RATHER BADLY.

Appearing on' summons, Cornelius McDevitt (Mr. Bryce Hart) pleaded not guilty to a charge of having assaulted Harry Archibald Page. Page stated that on Saturday, June 5, he was in the bar of the City Club Hotel with a man named Lynch. When witness left the bar accused followed him outside. Witness was pushed, and fell, injuring his head. As a result of the fall he had to receive medical attention. He did not know who pushed him.

Mr. Hart: You do not suggest that you were struck by McDevitt"?—Oh, no. ' He may have slipped and fallen against you. He is a big man?— Yes, that was quite probable. He sent a message to mc afterwards when he found that I hurt my head, and he offered to pay my medical expenses. Complainant's companion. Lynch, stated that he thought the whole thin" was an accident. After complainant feil McDevitt went along the lane and round the corner.

Detective White, who interviewed accused, stated that McDevitt in a statement said that he was in a convenience when a stranger bumped into him or pushed him, causing him an abrasion on the knee. He spoke to the stranger, who did not give a satisfactory reply. In fact, accused said that he was insulting. Accused then admitted "ivin"- the stranger a push. Mr. Hart suggested that the mutter was a trivial one.

Mr. Poynton: Oh, I don't know. The man might have been badly injured for all he knew. He behaved rather badly and did not pick the man up. Instead he went away. He will be fined £2 and costs.