VETERAN’S PLEA

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 70, 15 December 1932, Page 11

VETERAN’S PLEA

Asks Magistrate for Wife’s Liberty REQUEST GRANTED Dominion Special Service. Auckland, Dec. 14. A dramatic appeal for his wife’s liberty was made by a man in the Police Court this morning, when Catherine Nesbitt, aged 34, faced Mr. McKean, S.M., on three counts. The woman was charged with drunkenness, obscene language, and with being an incorrigible rogue. She pleaded guilty. Major Gordon, of the Salvation Army, said sbe did not think much could be done with the woman. ‘•Your Worship,” cried a man from the back of the court in an Irish brogue, -I want to say something about her. . She’s my wife.” He was allowed to give evidence, and made an impressive appeal to the magistrate to allow his wife her freedom. “I’m working in a relief camp up at Mercer,” he said. “She is a good girl and she’s my wife, but these people persist in worrying her. She can come up to camp with me away from everywhere. I earn only 37/6 a week. That’s not much, but I can get a place at Pokeno. Now, be fair to her, sir. I’m a soldier.” “She’s a Good Girl.” Detective-Sergeant Kelly attempted to talk, but was shouted down by the man in th© box. “She’s a good As a kid of 19 she was sentenced to four years by Sir Robert Stout, and she had to associate with a lot of criminal women much older than herself. I knew all about her criminal history when I married her, but she is a good kid.” . ... Mr. McKean: Do you think she •will go with you? Mr. Nesbitt: Yes, yes; now let me tell you I was decorated by three Governments, the British, French, and Belgian. His Majesty the King was pleased to pin the D.C.M. on my chest. It’s only those rotten women, if you 11 excuse the expression, sir.” Old Irish Constabulary. Mr.’ Kelly: She has a pretty good list. , Mr. Nesbitt: Now, Mr. Kelly, you re a sportsman. I’m an Irishman, and so are you. I belonged to the old Irish Constabulary long before some o£ these young policemen were born, you’re not going to send her to prison for Christmas, surely, Mr. McKean. Accused told the magistrate that she would go with her husband. “This language she used was very bad,” said Mr. McKean. Mr. Nesbitt: Oh, we use that in the army often; I’ve often used frightful language myself. She had had a few drinks. , • ~ On the understanding that she would go away with her husband the accused was ordered to come up for sentence any time, within the next twelve months, and was prohibited for twelve months. Mr. Nesbitt (from the back of the court) : Thank you, sir.