MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1940, Page 4

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

DRUNK IN CHARGE,

GREYMOUTH, April 30. Mr G. G. Chisholm, S.M., presided at a sitting of the Magistrate’s Court, at Greymouth, yesterday. . •. . Richard James Steele, 33, labourer, of Goldsborough,. pleaded, guilty to .a charge of being found in a state of intoxication iu charge of a motor-ear in Main Street, Kumara,. on April 24; The S.M. said that it was accused’s second conviction and lie had only had his license back since June last year. Under normal circumstances, it would be a question'of imprisonment and not y a fine, as in many cases now imprison- j ment was inflicted for the first offence of the kind.. In view of accused’s good bchaviopr, of which his employer had spoken, he did not propose to imprison accused, but- the fine , must he substantial. He would be fined £25, his current license would be cancelled and he would be disqualified from bidding another license until June 1, 1942. He would also be ordered to pay £l/1/medical expenses.

SERIOUS OFFENCE

Appearing on remand from Saturday, John Richard Andrews, 48, married, busliman, of Camerons, was charged with indecently assaulting a girl aged seven years. Owing to. the nature of the evidence, the Court was cleared. Evidence concerning the alleged offence was given by the child, her mother, Dr D. M. Logan, medical superintendent of the Grey Hospital, and Detective C. H. Davis. Accused, who was not represented by counsel, pleaded guilty to the charge and was committed for sentence to" the Supreme Court at Christchurch.