HIS FOURTH OFFENCE

Grey River Argus, 15 November 1930, Page 2

HIS FOURTH OFFENCE

SENTENCED TO GAOL. GREYMOUTH CASE. In the short space of six months, Michael Murphy, 34, a native of England, has had three convictions recorded against him for drunkenness. Another lapse o u Thursday saw him appear at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning before Mr J. Tennent, J.P. Asked how he* pleaded, Murphy said that he had bought a bottle of ale, and had drunk it on his own. “The constable picked me up. I suppose I was drunk, ’’ he said ‘‘ or the constable would mot have picked me up.” Constable Corcoran gave evidence as to arresting Murphy on Richmond Quay, at 11.10 p.m. on Thursday. “Have you any questions to ask?” said Mr Tennent.

“Oh, no, no, no,” replied Murphy. “But I’m a grafter, sir. Look at my Bands. I’ve been right through both Islands trying to get work.” Told to go into the witness box, Murphy said he was a seaman, or a general labourer. “I am a bona fide worker, and if you offer me a job I will take it” Continuing, he stated that he had come into tow’n with a few pounds, after working at Lake Kanieri, and then at the Buller Gorge. Mr Tennent remarked that Murphy had not made much opportunity with the money he had earned. “Give a man a sporting chance, sir,” pleaded defendant. “The only thing I do is to get drunk. That is the only thing against me. Give me a chance. I am not going round begging, and I am pleading for myself. ’ ’

Senior-Sergeant Roach stated that Murphy had been convicted on three occasions in the last six months. There was nothing else known against him. Murphy said that the only point against him was drink, Mr Tennent replying that it was a weak point.

“I get a few pounds, and get drunk. There is nothing else to do. If I had a wife or a young lady I would be alright.” Mr Tennent said that Murphy did not have any control over himself, although he had been given lessons. He Jiad no money, and any that he did have, he would not apply judiciously. The best thing to do would be to sentence him to seven days’ imprison ment; it would be a lesson to him.