MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1023, 12 January 1911, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

■ $ —.— ■ ■ (Before Dr. A. M'Arthur, S.M.) AN IRON BOLT AND A LOCK. AND A YOUTH WHO BOLTED. Albert Murphy, alias Woods, a.young man appearing 011 remand, was charged that, 011 January 9, lie attempted to break and enter the premises of John M'Lean mid Sons, 011 the Harbour Beard grounds, with intent to commit a crime therein. Sub-Inspector 'Norwood conducted the prosecution. Accused was not represented by counsel. Nicholas Robert Prey, niglitwatchman in the enipley of John M'Lean mid !Hoii=, contractors for the "Wellington'Dock,.stated that lie left the linn's shed .011 the Harbour Board's grounds at 4.15.p.m. 011 January 9. The (lcor was then secured, and everything was intact. He visited' tho plaoa again at 5.30 p.m.,.and heard the sound of hammering. Wiuicss went round tho corner of the shed, and saw accused, who at once dropped the iron halt (produced). Asked what he was doing there, accused replied that'two men had robbed him of X'ls, and'had gone into the" slied. Witness told him that tho place was locked, and, as witness had the key, 110 one could enter. He .(witness) then noticed that the lock had been battered with a heavy instrument, apparently the iron bolt, but the lock 'was still hc'lding the door.' Another piece of iron on the ■ground had evidently beenused in an endeavour to prize the lock. When accused's attention "was directed..to .the lock, he said:;"!.will repair it; I will give yon ss. for the lock.-', Accused th«n -walked off, but witness followed. him as far as the. Albion Hotel, where Constable'Bisso-tt appeared, and, being told of the occurrence, tool; accused in charge. Constable ' Bissett also ' gave evidence, and added that, when arrested, accused said: "This..gentleman' says- I • broke his padlock. I'd rather pay for it, and be done .with it." . . . Accused reserved his defence, and was committed for trial at tlio next sitting of the Supreme Court. ALLEGED THEFT FROM DWELLING. William Thomas, alias Thompson, was charged with stealing," on January G, from the dwellinghousc ot Patrick Quirke, in Wellington South, a watch-chain," valued 10=. Gd., the property of Patrick Quirke. Sub-Inspector .Norwood conducted the prosecution, accused not being represented by counsel. . - Evidence was given by Kate Quirke, and Patrick Quirke, the former stating that slio had seen accused enter tho house of complainant on ; January G, while tho latter stated that a watchchain .which ho had loft in his .waistcoat in the morning Was niissing when he arrived home. . Win. Beale, 1 barman ;at the Cricled'ters' Arms Hotel, said that accused had borrowed 2s. and-6d. from- him, and left the chain (produced) as security. Witness afterwards gave the, chain to Constable Taylor. The last-named gavo . evidence as to the recovery-.of the chain and tho arrest of Thomas! . Accused reserved his defence, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. ' A FURTHER REMAND. , James Hessey, appearing on remand, was chargedwith, 011-January 2, wilfully damaging two panes of glass, valuo «£lO, tho property of George Howe. 'SubInspector Norwood stated that, as the informant was at present in tho Wellington Hospital, it would be necessary to ask for a further -remand until January 18. Mr. 11. F. O'Leary stated that lie had no objection "to' offer; but lie would like his Worship to reduce the bail if possible. The previous bail was .£9. The magistrate reduced the amount of bail .to . MAINTENANCE. : Harry Hall was ordered to pay 255. per week towards tho support of his wife and children, and also to pay". £2 Gs. costs.- ■ Mr. C. R. Dix appeared for complainant, and Mr. J. J. M'Grath for de--;£cndant. ,' OTHER CASES. , ' • For-using threatening behaviour :viii Willis Street, on Tuesday. night, Charles Frank Evans. and Henry Taylor were each fined 205., in default seven days' imprisonment. , . . Geo. Boyd pleaded not guiltv to a charge of indecency in' Tory Street, and was remanded until'this'.'morning.. . John Reed; against whom there wero' 42 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to |a charge of drunkenness,, and to a further charge of procuring liquor.';during'/ tho currency.of a prohibition, order. Oil tho charge of drunkenness he. was sent to'tho Inebriates' Homo - at Rotoroa. for twelve months, and for the second offer.co ho nus convicted and discharged. Luke l'arrell,-.appearing on remand,; pleaded guilty to. a charge of drunken-' ness. .Ho was fined 10s'.; and ordered to pay 17s. Gd., medical - expenses incurred, in default seven. days' imprisonment. One first offending inebriate was convicted . and discharged. 1