NEW YEAR OFFENDERS

Evening Star, Issue 15072, 2 January 1913, Page 6

NEW YEAR OFFENDERS

115 TIMES CONVICTED. While New Year's Eve was comparatively quiet in the matter of cases of excessive indulgence in liquor, only one man requiring police assistance, the glad day itself was the means of half a dozen persons finding themselves before the Police Court charged with drunkenness. The familiar figure of Margaret Williams was among the number. She pleaded guilty quite serenely, adding that she had had a drop of drink as it was holiday time. The Sub-inspector: One hundred and fourteen previous convictions, sir. Mr Widdowson, S.M.: She was here two days ago. (To prisoner:) I. thought you told nie you were going awav to a situation. Defendant: Well, sir, I thought so, hut unfortunately I missed the train. I'm very sorry I made such a fool of myself. The Magistrate: Is she altogether sober at the present time ? The Sub-inspector: Oh, yes, your Worship. The, Magistrate: This woman has a terrible record. Defendant: I'll try to do better again. You are very good to be so lenient. The Magistrate: The best thing that can happen is for you to take a rest and get the drink out of you. Fined 20s. in default seven days. Defendant (benevolently): Thank you, sir. You have been so very good to me that I could not ask you for »ny more. And she left the dock for familiar quarters. Annie Margaret Norton, who had been three times previously convicted in the past six months, pleaded guilty, and the Magistrate warned her that a fourth conviction in six months rendered one liable to three months' imprisonment. If she appeared again she would be seriously dealt with. Sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment. Duncan M'lntyre was fined 10s, an old age pensioner was convicted and discharged, and two first offenders were fined 10s and 5s respectively.