POLICE COURT

Evening Star, Issue 19795, 20 February 1928, Page 6

POLICE COURT

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20. (Before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.) AN INDECENT ACT. Norman Darling, a youth, for whom Mr Irwin appeared, was charged with having done an indecent act intending to insult a female. The accused pleaded guilty, and elected to be dealt with summarily. Chief-detective Cameron said that the accused had gone into complainant’s shop and committed the act. Ho had apologised a few days later, but when seen by the police had admitted the offence and was arrested. Air Irwin said the lad’s people were quite respectable, and no explanation of the foolish act could be submitted. Accused said it was “ ii.;st impulse.” The matter was adjourned for a week in order that the lad might be medically examined, and that the probation officer might make inquiries.—An application by counsel for suppression of accused’s name was refused. CHARGE DISMISSED. Arthur Broun (Mr Irwin) pleaded not guilty to having been found on licensed premises after hours. Sergeant Dunlop said he and a constable visited the St. Kilda Hotel at 10.25 p.m. on January 25. The bar doors were locked, but in a sitting room witness found defendant, a man named Farquharson, and a boarder named Aitchison. Defendant’s explanation was that he was there for the purpose of booking up two intending guests who wero coming to town for the trots. The licenssc had said he supplied the liquor as a gift. Mr Irwin said defendant drank little or nothing. He went to the hotel to arrange accommodation for an Aushburton trainer’s assistant. The local constable was at the door speaking to the licensee at the time defendant entered the hotel. Defendant gave evidence, and His Worship said the explanation given would lie accepted and the charge dismissed. DRUNKENNESS. " James Fairley was convicted and discharged. MAINTENANCE CASES. Stating that defendant had been out of work for four months, Mr F. Forrester, representing James William Robertson, who was charged with disobedience of a maintenance order ana arrears amounting to £59, said thal though he would now be able to comply with the order he could not I ’pay anything off the arrears.—The Maintenance Officer (Mr T. Holland) said thrft since the information was laid the arrears had amounted, to about £BO. Defendant had been before the court previously, and arrears had been remitted.—Defendant was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, warrant to be suspended if be pays £2 forthwith and 32s 6d a week thereafter. Two charges of disobeying a maintenance order were preferred against Alexander John Wilson, the arrears being £ls 17s 6d and £l9 12s 6d respectively.—This ease had been previously adjourned, Mr A. C. Hanlon appearing for the complainant and Mr C. J. L. White for the defendant, who produced his books and raid that they contained a record of his position similar to that which ho had placed before the court. —Complainant, in evidence, said she was working, and one of the sons worked also.—His Worship expressed the opinion that defendant would he better working for a wage than i nulling a business that paid so poorly. He was not satisfied that the figures truly represented the position. The matter would bo adjourned for three months, at least £1 a week to be paid meantime.

Patrick James Cosgruvc was proceeded against on a complaint for separation and maintenance.—This matter had been adjourned for a report, and His Worship made the orders asked for. with maintenance at £1 a week. Costs (£1 Is) were granted. Mr C. J. L. White appeared for complainant.