THE KAIAPOI INCIDENT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15605, 1 June 1916, Page 4

THE KAIAPOI INCIDENT.

"MYSTERIOUS MAN" IN COURT. BEHAVIOUR DUE TO DRINK. The sequel to the mysterious behaviour of the man Peter McNab at Kaiapoi on Sunday night, took place at the Magistrate's Court, Kaiapoi, yesterday, when McNab was charged before Messrs R. AYylie and C. F. Sneyd, J.P.'s, with wilfully breaking two panes of glass, the. property of Nicholas George. The accused, for whom Mr Conlan appeared, pleaded guilty. Mr Conlan said that this was the first occasion in which the defendant had ever been before a Court. McNab /iari been drinking on Sunday at a houso closc to that of Mr George. His host pressed him to stay for the night, but McNab decided to go home. In the darkness he lost his way, and decided to return to his host's house, but mistook Mr George's house for that for which ho was searching. He was sorry that he had not made amends at tho time of his behaviour to Mr George, whom he did not know. Being somewhat frightened at the-reports which were circulated he had kept quiet, and not revealed his identity to the police. Chief-Detectivc Herbert stated that tho man had certainly been drinking, which probably accounted for his behaviour, but in view of the recent happenings. in Kaiapoi. Mr George had naturally thought that he was in some danger.* When arrested, defendant had at first denied that he had anything to do with tho affair, but afteradmitted that ho was tho man. Mr AV.vlio, from the Bench, pointed out to McNab that ho might very easily havo placed himself in a very awkward position by Lis bohaviour. A flno of £3 \va« inflicted., and AloNab was f;:rthc:' ordered to' pay ?.o.* damages. With his. own ennswu r. prohibition order was issued againnt him.