MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 194, 12 May 1924, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

POLICE CASES. Saturday morning’s sitting of the Magistrate’s Court was presided over by Mr. C. It. Orr-Walker, S.M. The charge of theft of a bicycle against James Thomas Alexander Gibson was withdrawn, and the information accordingly dismissed. The chief-detective said he was satisfied, as the 'result of inquiries, that there was no intention of theft on tho part of the accused. George Lionel Arnold, a carpenter, was remanded until to-day on o. charge of stowing away on board the Kaituna, at Newcastle.

Three youths, Gordon William Johnston, draper’s assistant, aged 18 years, Sydney William Pierce, waiter. 19 years, and Charles William James Kiernander, steward, 21 years, appeared on charges of unlawfully converting to their own use a. motor-car and a tin of benzine, the property of Samuel Triester. Johnston, said Sub-Inspector Cameron, had been sentenced on Friday morning to twelve months’ reformative treatment on a similar charge. Mr. W. Perry, who appeared for Johnston, submitted that accused had already been punished for the present offence, as it was on account of it that probation was refused by the Supreme Court. According to tho subinspector, Johnston was the prime mover. Kiernander had stated that he accompanied Johnston, while Pierco was apparently led into it. Damage had been done to the car to the, extent of £3. As the amount for damage was a civil matter. tho Magistrate said he had no power to make an order for compensation. Considering Johnston as having been already punished His Worship convicted him and orderfid him to come up for sentence if called upon within twelve months. Kiernander was fined «ClO, and Pierce £5. On tho charge of. the theft of benzine, Kiernander and Pierce were convicted and ordered to come iip for sentence when called upon. Each was ordered to pay 55., half tho value of the benzine.