CHARGE DENIED

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 67, 12 December 1932, Page 2

CHARGE DENIED

Possession of a Baton Electing trial by jury, John Lightfoot, labourer, aged 55. pleaded not guilty when charged before Mr. E. Page, S.M.. in the Police Court on Saturday with being a rogue and vagabond in that lie was found armed with an offensive weapon (a baton) with felonious Intent.

According to the police evidence, accused marched along the Quay on the morning of December 3, carrying a banner. It was alleged that while lie was being taken to the police station lie dropped a baton on the street.

Mr. P. B. Fitzherbert, who appeared for accused, submitted that there was nothing to show that his client had been in possession of the baton. The Magistrate: I think the matter is one that will have to have the consideration of the jury. In applying for bail, Mr. Fitzherbert said that accused had never been in trouble before. His greatest offence was that he went to Parliament House in a bathing suit—he waas a little bit novel in making his grievances known. Bail was fixed at £2O and a suretv of £2O.