MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.
CHRISTCHURCH. Monday, December 28. [Before G. L. Hellish, Esq., R.M.] DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. John Kelly, charged with drunkenness, was fined 5s ; and Callaghan McCarthy, 10a. Matthew Roach, arrested for being drunk and using obscene language, was fined 10s. Andrew Varney, who had been remanded on the charge of drunkenness for medical treatment, was brought up, and fined ss. BREAKING INTO A DWELLING. John Bucannon, was charged with breaking into a house in Tuam street, and stealing some knives and scissors therefrom. Constable Beck stated that he arrested the prisoner in High street, on the previous Saturday. He arrested him on suspicion of having broken into the house of Henry Hopkinson, Tuam street, and stealing several cases of knives and scissors. Cautioned the prisoner at the time, when he said that he bought the articles and could show a receipt for them. Found the cases of knives and scissors produced in prisoner’s possession when he arrested him. Prisoner was offering the articles for sale, when he first saw him. After locking the prisoner up, he (witness) went to Hopkinson’s house and found the lower panel of the door broken, and the lock knocked off and lying on the floor. There were also “prize” marks on the door post as it made by a tomahawk. In a gin case on the floor were some goods similar to those produced. By prisoner—You were publicly selling the goods when I saw you. On Thursday evening last you were selling similar goods when I ordered you oft the footpath. Henry Hopkinson, general dealer, living in Tuam street, stated that the prisoner lived in the house adjoining his. On Saturday last he left the house locked to go to some sports, and left some goods similar to those produced in a room. Was told by Thomas Forster shortly afterwards that his house was broken open. When lie (witness) got to the house he found the door open, the bottom panel broken, and the lock prized off the door Missed live cases of knives like the ones produced, containing a dozen each, two cards of knives, two cards of scissors,
and some loose scissors. Identified the property in court as his. Prisoner bought some goods from him on Thursday last. The value of the goods stolen would be about £5 Bs, cost price.
To the Bench—The prisoner knew where I kept the goods. I never gave him authority to take them. Thomas Forster stated that he was a hawker, and lived with the last witness. Left the house last Saturday at nine o’clock. Returned at twenty minutes past four and found the door burst open, the lower panel broken, and a tomahawk lying on the table inside. Went to Hopkinson at the Plough Inn and told him of it. Saw the prisoner about two hours afterwards selling some goods, and then went and informed the police. Prisoner, in defence, said that he was selling these goods on commission. He lived at the house, and obtained a good order that morning, and, not finding the key in the usual place, did not think there was any harm in pushing the door open to obtain the goods. The prisoner was committed to take his trial at the nnext criminal session of the Supreme Court.
MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.
Globe, Volume II, Issue 173, 28 December 1874, Page 2
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