MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 97, 22 October 1908, Page 5

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

. _ ♦ William McCarthy, ' a youug man appeared before Messrs Dalryniple and Dobson, J.'sP., this morning, charged (1) with being drunk and disorderly ; (2) with having no lawful visible means of support; (3) with tlie theft of a serviette, the property of Charles Benzie. -- Mr Fitzherbert represented accused, and stated that the theft was the act of a drunken man; The bench pointed out that drunkenness could not be taken as an excuse for crime. After some discussion* Mr. FitzherTjert stated he was prepared to admit all three charges. Sergeant Cruickshank stated that accused , had come to Dannevirke about a fortnight since, had been loafing round doing ho work, and toad no money. He was a constant source of annoyance, and had been repeatedly warned to leave the town, but refused to do so. In company with two or three mates he frequented a cafe, which was kept by a prohibited man, and the accused arid with two or three mates accused had been concerned in supplying drink to, prohibited people. The bench, after some consultation, announced their intention of dealing fleniently with the accused in the hope that ho would mend his ways, and lead a more reputable life. On the first and second charges he would be convicted and discharged, and on the charge of theft he would be convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called tipori, and further ordered to leave the town by 3 p.m. Accused was warned that should he appear before the court again on similar- -charges, he would be dealt witluas severely as the circumstances of the case would warrant.