MAINTENANCE CASE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 188, 8 May 1934, Page 2

MAINTENANCE CASE

Ex-Professor’s Outburst in Court MAGISTRATE’S REBUKE An outburst against his wife and a Wellington firm of solicitors was made by David James Richards, retired University professor, who was charged in the Wellington Magistrate's Court yesterday with being in arrears of maintenance. There were two charges, one in respect of the maintenance of his wife, which it was alleged was £l2 in arrears, and the other in respect of his child. £3 in arrears. Defendant in evidence said he had been persecuted by mortgagees in the last month or so, and had been living on borrowed money. He said his wife was getting £5 a week, and produced bis Savings Bank book, which he said showed he had £2. He referred to a transaction he had with a Wellington firm of solicitors as a “legal swindle.” “For four years I have suffered persecution from this woman,” said Richards, and went on to refer to his wife in stronger terms, when the magistrate, Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., interposed. “Stop your silly nonsense.” Richards: “It’s true. I wouldn't blast any woman’s character if it were not true.” Thb magistrate said that defendant had had money in his savings bank account, arfd had paid it to solicitors and other sources, but he inust remember that there was an order of the court in respect of the maintenance of his wife and child. Richards was convicted on both charges, being sentenced to one month’s imprisonment, to be released on the payment of £l2, nn the first. On’ the second; a sentence of 10 days' imprisonment was imposed, to be released on payment of £3, the sentences to be concurrent. Costs amounting to £l/1/- were allowed against Richards. When Mr. G. G. G. Watson, counsel for the wife, was . addressing the magistrate. Richards, who had left the witness box, began to speak from the floor of the court. At the direction of the magistrate he was removed from the court by the orderly, Committed for Trial

George Alexander Low. a canvasser, aged 31, charged with the theft of five gold rings and a necklace, the property of the wife of Squadron-Leader G. L. Stedman, of a total value of £3B/10/-, was committed for trial by Mr. W. F. Stilwell, S.M., in the 'Wellington Magistrate’s Court, yesterday. The magistrate, who reserved his decision last Friday, said' yesterday that after perusing the statement made by Low and the woman Johnston, he was satisfied that Low should meet the charge. Bail on the present terms was allowed. Low. who was represented by Mr. J. A. Scott, pleaded not guilty. Assault Charge On a charge of assaulting Arthur Norton in College Street on Saturday, Thomas Hewltson, aged 42, was con? victed and fined £l, in default seven days’ imprisonment. On-a charge of drunkenness, he Was convicted and discharged.