ROBBING DRUNK MAN

Evening Star, Issue 20056, 22 December 1928, Page 12

ROBBING DRUNK MAN

SENTENCE OF A MONTH COUNSEL THINKS MAGISTRATES TOO SCEPTICAL tbrECiAj, to the ‘ Star.’] AUCKLAND, December '2l. “ What did you plead guilty to the charge for the other day when you appeared? "'the magistrate (Mr Hunt) asked George Caffcry, who pleaded not guilty to-day of stealing a purse containing 56s from a max- in a hotel. He was allowed to change his plea, because his counsel (Mr J. F. W. Dickson) said there had been a misunderstanding. C'affery said lie spoke low, and perhaps Mr Hunt didn’t hear him say “ not.” “Oh, don’t tell me that,” replied Mr Hunt. “I’jn very careful in taking picas.” Counsel claimed that there was no caso to answer, but Mr Hunt thought otherwise. Mr Dickson; Why, if the case went to a jury I’m sure Caffcry would be found not guilty. Mr Hunt; Probably. Mr Dickson: Juries arc the best judges of fads in the world. Mr Hunt; That might bo so, but I’m entitled to use my common sense. I know how robbing drunken men goes on in hotels. Mr Dickson: Quito so, but so many stories are told to magistrates that their mental condition is such that you would not believe cron tho Angel Gabriel. Mr Hunt: Don't talk nonsense. I’ve let a few of your clients off, anyway, in my time. Caffcry was sentenced to one month, Mr Hunt giving him a light sentence because Caffcry had been ill.