MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 136, 13 June 1927, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Police cases in the Magistrate's Court to-day were dealt with' by fclr. J. H. Salmon,'S.JM. "

"The assault was a very gross one, and there was certainly insufficient provocation.. The only thing to do in cases such as this is to impose a term of imprisonment," said the Magistrate to Randolph French', a seaman, aged 43, who admitted having assaulted. Ambroso Hill, cook on the steamer Huntingdon. Senior-Sergeant Lander said tliat as a result of the assault, Mili suffered a broken nosp. French.'s version was that when he went to get the crew's food it was practically thrown at him. An argument arose, and he "got in first." A sentence of one month's imprisonment was imposed, and the accused was ordered to pay medic3l expenses.

With fifty-nine previous convictions for drunkenness, George Broughton, a labourer, aged 52, appeared for sentcnee on charges of having been found in a helplessly drunken state, and of having committed a breach of- his prohibition order.. Senior-Sergeant Lander said that the authorities at Roto Eoa Island had been communicated with and were willing to look after the accused for a time. Broughton was committed to the island for twelve months.

For being-an idle and disorderly person, with insufficient lawful means of support, John Sharp, alias Sharpe, a bcotblack, aged 47, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. SeniorSergeant Lander said that the accused was some time ago convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon on a similar charge. He was to have seen the probation officer (Mr. T. P. Mills) and obtain help, but he had not done so, resorting instead to his old habit of sleeping out when he did not make enough money. John M'Mahon, a fireman, aged 28, admitted having been disorderly while drunk. .It was stated that he disturbed a Salvation Army service that was being held in Taranaki street. The Magistrate imposed a fine of £,2, in default fourteen days' imprisonment.