SUPREME COURT. CRIMINAL SESSIONS. This Day.

Evening Post, Volume XLIII, Issue 62, 14 March 1892, Page 3

SUPREME COURT. CRIMINAL SESSIONS. This Day.

(Before his Honour Mr. Justice Richmond.) PBOBATION OPFICEBS' BEFOBTS. In the case of Julia Mullano, who last week pleaded Guilty to a charge of larceny, his Honour said that ho could not release the prisoner on probation, but would liberate her on the joint recognisance of herself and father for .£SO eaoh that the prisoner would be of good behaviour for twelve months. He dealt with the case in this way not because ho thought it exactly the right way, but beoause it was the only way ho could deal with the matter. Alfred Fryers, who pleaded Gnilty to rocoiving stolen goods, was next put forward. His Honour said the Probation Officer's report was not a favourable one. It appeared that the priaonor had previously been convicted in Nolson. The depositions also had not improssod him (the Judge) favourably. Ho aid not think the case was one for the benefit of the Probation Act. The sentence of the Court would bo twelve months' imprisonment. John Nelson, convioted of robbery from the person at Eketahuna, was brought up. The Probation Officer's report was favonrable, as it appeared the prisoner had only previously been convicted of drunkenness. His Honour thought it would be as well to pass a light sentence, which would be — three months' imprisonment in Wellington gaol, with hard labour. James Hutohens, oonvioted of embezzling i!SO, the property of the Woodville Court, A.0.F., was placed in the dock. Mr. Gray appeared for the prisoner, and in referring to the Probation Officer's report, reminded his Honour that tho matters referred to in the roport were mere rumours. Prisoner had always borne an excellent character, and he trusted therefore that leniency wonld bo extended to him on account of his wife and family. Prisoner, upon being asked what he had to say in mitigation of sontenco, replied that the whole matter had been a conspiracy against him. The money was not borrowed for Mrs. Hill, and this the trustees of the Court well know. The money bad been borrowed for himsolf , and this tho trustees likewise were well aware of. His Honour said the prisoner had been foolish and wicked enough to accuse the trustees of the lodge, of whioh ho was acting secretary, of a serious crime. He (Mr. Justice Kiohmond) was bound to say that the demeanour of the trustees in the witness box did not, in his opinion, support the imputation made by the prisoner. It had been urged that up to the time the accused obtained the money he had borne an excollent charaoter. This no doubt was true, because no person possessing a bad oharaoter would obtain a position of trust. Ho was, however, disposed to take a lenient view of tho crime, in consequence of the prisoner having after a lapse of two years returned to the colony in order to meet the charge- The sentence of tho Court would be a comparatively light one, viz., one year's imprisonment in Wellington Gaol. ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO WOUND. James Madden was arraigned on an indictment charging him with having, on the 11th January last, assaulted Morgan S. Grace witn intent to do him grievons bodily harm. The prisoner, who was undefended, pleaded Not Guilty. The facts of the case wore shortly, according to the case for tho prosecution, that the accused presented himself in Dr. Graoe'a consulting-room in Charlotte-street, and made a demand for restitution in <'onlip.ction wii 1 .. -owe jijope*"ty up country in whioh bo.h parties li.-kI been intorc-tod. Pi. Grace told the accused he knew full woll that he had no claim against bim, and advised him to go about his business. After come little tune Madden was induced to

loave tho room, and was followed by the doctor down the hall, but before reaching 1 tho door tho accused turned shr.rply round, dropped on one knee, and made a lungo at the doctor's abdomon with a pocket-knife. Dr. Grace turned a-jide and avoided tho blow. Tho prisoner thon left the house. Tho only witnesses for tho prosecution woro M. S. Grace and his son William. Tho prisoner called no evidence, and elected not to go Into tho witness box. Ho read, howevor, a long statement as to transactions in land between Dr. Graco and him* self. He said he had not c.rricd a knife for the past two years, and with regard lo tho visit ho was alleged to have paid to Dr. Grace's consulting room, ail he could say wan that ho knew nothing of tho affair. Uo had boon a resident of Wellington for the past 22 years, and could got 50 persona to give him a good character. The jury, after half an hour's deliberation, brought in a verdict of Not Guilty. Tho prisoner was discharged. Another case. Thomas Riordan pleaded Not Guilty to an indictment charging him with attempting to wound, with intent to disablo and maim, ono Philip Docherty, on tho 22nd February last. Tho prisoner was undefended. Tho evidence was to tho offect that late on tho night in question Docherty, who is a labouror, and was staying in the Commercial Hotel, Willis-street, went into an out-offico of tho inn ; and that on loaving that place he put his hand into Dochorty'a pocket. Upon tho latter repulsing him, Riordan mado a thrust at him with a pocket-knife, the blade of which ripped his coat. For tho defence, the prisoner urged that there were several persons in tho yard of the hotol at the time, any of whom might have assaulted Docborty. Ho altogether denied ho had oither assaulted or attempted to rob Docherty. Tho jury returned a verdict of Guilty, and tho prisoner was sentenced to twnlvo months' imprisonment. Tho Court adjourned till to-morrow at 10 o'clock.