"STORY-TELLERS!"

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 150, 22 December 1922, Page 8

"STORY-TELLERS!"

A NOISY DEFENDANT A noisy defendant named William Elton appeared before Mr. E. Page, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court to-day, charged with having sold liquor without a license. The prosecution was conducted by SubInspector Cummings. Called by the Sub-Inspector, Constable Eobie stated that he had seen the accused in company with two other men; standing near • the corner of Tory and Haining streets. The men had a bottle, which witness helped them to empty. Ha then suggested that more liquor should be procured. v The accused (pointing to witness):. "He is a story-teller. He doesn't'know my name." The continued that he had given the accused a pound and the latter had gone' away to a house in Alma lane, and had returned with two bottles of beer which he gave.witness, with 14s change. Witness then outlined a further visit which he had paid to the house in Alma lane, in company with Sergeant, Stark. The accused: "That man there (pointing to witness) and that man there (pointing to Sergeant Stark) are storytellers. I don't know nothing about the beer!" The Magistrate: "Elton, v have you had any liquor to-day?" The accused: "No, I have not." The .Magistrate: "Very, well. Yon must remember that you are in a^Court, of justice, and you musi; behave yourself,, and conform to the rale's^ of the Court' If you don't I will have to commit you until you sober down." | Evidence was given by Sergeant Stark, during which the accused continued to denounce the police officers as "story-tell-ers." He wds then asked if he would like to give evidence on oath. .The accused: "Yes, course, .I'll give evidence on oath. (When being sworn), Never mind about that.' I am going to tell the truth. I have,been telling the truth all. the time.. It's them who are telling lies !" ■ . ' Having assured the Magistrate that he knew; nothing about selling the liquor,, he was ordered to "stand down," and did so. He repeated his firm opinion about the uiitruthfulness pf the police. The Magistrate: "I am going to convict this man." (Td the Sub-Inspector): "Was the sale of liquor very extensive?" The. Sub-Inspector: "Yes, very extensive about that vicinity, particularly on Saturday evenings, and Sunday mornings." ■ . ' The Magistrate: "He is'fined £1, in default one month's imprisonment.." The accused: ''What, me?" ;

Elton had to bo dragged out'of the Court by the police, and sounds of a, disturbance from the rear of the building were heard :for some* time after his forced departure. .