CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume XXVI, Issue 3391, 17 July 1876, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH.

Satijrbay, July 15. {Before G. L. Mellish, Esq, KM.) Dp.uxk akd Disorderly. — Alexander Smith was fined 20s; John Kelly, who had been several times before the Court on the charge of drunkenness, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labor. Mary Kennedy, an old offender, was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labor. Stealing from a Dwelling.—William Johnston was charged with, stealing a gold ring and keeper, belonging to Mrs Jane Wood. When arrested, the prisoner admitted the theft, and said he had only taken the rings in a lark. Charles Wood stated that he had "been working with accused for six months in the Bays. Met him at the City Hotel, on last Thursday, and lent him 15s. Accused said he was not doing very well, and he took him home to have some dinner. His wife's rings were lying on the mantel-shelf, and after accused left they were missing. From what he afterwards heard, he went in search of the rings, and found the keeper at Cohen's pawnshop. Saw accused in the street, and asked him who he had stolen the rings. He denied taking them at first and then admitted having done so. Told him the wedding ring was missing and that he had better give it up. He then handed it to his (witness , ) wife, who was present. The rings produced were those stolen, and belonged to his wife. Accused had no right to take them. Mrs Wood, called, identified the rings as her property. Mr Cohen, pawnbroker, stated that accused had offered the keeper produced at hie shop in pledge. Sentenced to one month's imprisonment, with hard labour.