THE COURTS-TO-DAY.

Evening Star, Issue 10782, 17 November 1898, Page 2

THE COURTS-TO-DAY.

CITY POLICE COURT. (Before E. H. Carew, Esq., S.M.) Drunkenness. —Annie Pilot was fined 20s, in default forty-eight hours' imprisonment, and, on a further charge of damaging the curtain of the cab in which she was conveyed to the station she was convicted and discharged. Two first offenders were convicted and discharged. Damaging Property.—Margaret Manners, charged with wilfully damaging property in the Auld Scotland Hotel last night, pleaded not guilty.—Florence Shearer, wife of the licensee, said that defendant asked to be supplied with drink. As she was intoxicated witness refused to serve her. Defendant thereupon took up a pint pot, broke it on the table, and proceeded to smash a mirror and a hat ruck. - Evidence was also given by John Shearer and Constable Mackenzie.- Defendant. being sworn at her own request, absolutely denied the charge. The damage, was committed by some lads who were in the bar.—His Worship held the charge proved, —Seven previous convictions for drunkenness were testified to by the ser-geant.--Fined 10s, and ordered to pay 30s damages. Obstructing a Constable. —Patrick M’Ganiinii was charged with obstructing Constable Mackenzie while he was arresting Margaret Manners. The obstruction consisted of catching hold of the constable’s cape and holding him, and telling him that he should not take the woman. What happened was that Mrs Shearer telephoned for a second constable, and when he arrived the woman and the man were taken off' together.—Defendant said that he was not aware that he had obstructed. If he did anything .1 was owing to his having had a drop of drink.—His Worship : You Lave acted verv foolishly. It is an offence that 1 cannot look over. You are fined 20s.

Violating a Prohibition Order.—Alex. Lawrie, charged wit}) being found in the Provincial Hotel (lining tjiu currency of a prohibition order, of which Jie was the subject, pleaded guilty, hut explained that he had simply entered the premises to look after another man, and that he did not ask for drink, nor was any pulled for him. Defendant added that he wp at the time under the influence of liquor; hut for that he would not have gone into the hotel.—His Worship : You had better have left your excuse alone. You are fined 20s, with 7s costs,