CONTEMPT OF COURT.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18676, 27 April 1926, Page 6

CONTEMPT OF COURT.

DEFENDANT WHO WAS NOT SOBER^ (fbess association teleoram.) NELSON, April 26. An unusual incident occurred during tlio sitting of the Magistrate's Court to-day, when a country resident, who appeared to answer a charge of failing to send a child to school, was .ordered by Mr E. Maunsel), S.M., to be taken into custody. The man concerned was Leonard Kerr, of Wai-iti. When the charge was read the defendant said: "I cannot do anything." . , , The "Magistrate: \ou cannot do anything in the condition you are in now. What do you mean by coming here in this condition ? Defendant: What condition)' I cannot do anything at all. She has gone away from me. I cannot do anything at Tho -Magistrate (to a constable): 1 think this man had- better be taken into custody, (To defendant): Do you mean to say you are in a sober condition? . i Defendant: Yes. ' The Magistrate: How do you plead? Guilty or not guilty? Defendant: Not guilty. I cannot do anything with her. The Magistrate: You can go to the back of the Court and the case will be called later. If you have not sobered up then I will deal with you in another way. Defendant: You can deal with me in any way now. The Magistrate (to the constable): Take him into custody. , Defendant was then taken in charge and removed from the Court. The case was then adjourned for a week. Defendant was later charged with drunkenness and brought before the Magistrate. Tlio information was amended to one of contempt of Court, to which defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 hours' imprisonment.