NAPIER COURT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 31, 23 January 1929, Page 9

NAPIER COURT

CHARGE OF BREAKING AND ENTERING. Before Messrs R. C. Wright and P. Wright, J.’sP., at the Napier Court yesterday afternoon a youtn, William Wallace Clifford (-Mr. 1.. A. Rogers) was charged with breaking and entering the premises of the Napier Gas Co. on December 30 with intent to commit a crime. Evidence was given by Robert Reid, commercial traveller, as to hearing tho Fire Brigade pass his house about 4 a.m, in response to an alarm, which proved to bo false. Shortly afterwards bo hoard the sound of glass being smashed and on looking out saw the accused standing at tho Gas Co.’s window. The accused picked up a brick and again smashed the window. Witness, being of the opinion that the accused had no right there, informed the foreman of the gasworks. Some difficulty was experienced in finding the accused who was later located lying in some grass. Although tho accused had had liquor he knew what ho was doing.

Evidence was given by Thomas William Barry as to the finding of the accused, who stated, when asked what his motive was, that he must have been mad. Inside the office glass was scattered all over the room and the till, which did not contain money, was open. After further evidence was heard the Bench decided that the offence was not committed with any intent to commit a crime and accordingly’ dismissed the charge. Clifford was then charged bv the police wijth causing wilful damage to the extent of £1 7/8. the property of tho Napier Gas Co. A plea of guilty was entered and the accused was fined £2 and ordered to pay the cost of the damage.