POLICE COURT

Evening Star, Issue 17958, 3 May 1922, Page 6

POLICE COURT

Wednesday, Max 3,

(Before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.)

BILLIARD BALLS STOLEN

Edward M’Ardlc pleaded' guilty to a charge of the theft of three billiard balls, the property of Samuel Simmons. Chief-detective Bishop said that nothing was known about accused, who was arrested yesterday afternoon. He asked for a remand, in order that accused' linger prints might be taken and some inquiries made about him.

His Worship: Is he a stranger here?

The Chief Detective: Yes, sir. Accused went into the billiard saloon, waited his opportunity, and stoic tho balls. He then took them to a second-hand dealer. Accused was remanded till Saturday for sentence.

GIVEN A CHANGE. “My attention was drawn to this man’s low appearance on the streets, not only in. regard to his dress, but also in respect to his demeanor and 1 habits," said Sergeant M'Entee in the course of liia evidence in the ease o' Allied Sturrie, charged with being an idle ami disorderly person, in that he had insufficient lawful mean.v of support. The sergeant further said: that he had seen accused' begging from several gentlemen on (he. streets, but when ho caw witness ho at juice got away.

Ghief-delecl-ivo Bishop said 1 he received a telephone message complaining about a man begging in town. \\ itnese went out, found accused begging in the office of tho P.P.A., amli arrested him. The. sum of Is Bd was; found- on accused, who admitted lie had 1 obtained' it by begging. There were a. number of previous convictions against him for various offences.

"Mv J. Wilkinson, who appeared' for accused, said lie liaii been ft “problem’ to his friends tor years. When he was in tho country be was quite nil right, but always got into (rouble when 1m came to town. Counsel suggested, that accused might bo allowed to return to the country.

His Worship said: he would give accused ft chance on this occasion. Ho would bo convicted and ordered' to come up for sentence if called upon within six months.

MAINTENANCE. Alexander Allison was charged with, failing to provide his wife and seven children with adequate means of support. yob-inspector Lodes said, deicndar.t was arrested at Christchurch on April 23. He lift'd been wanted for over two and n-half months. His seven children—of ages ranging from six months to ten years—had" been rommlkM to a home, and his wife was working in the country. A remand was desired in order to communicate with her. His Worship remanded defendant to appear next Wednesday. CHIMNEY FIRE. Charles Henry Morrell was fined ss, with costs (7s), for allowing the chimney of his house in Stafford street to catch tire. DRUNKENNESS. A male liist offender was fined' 17s 6J, including cab hire, with the alternative of forty-eight hours’ imprisonment.