The Palmerston North Courts

Inangahua Times, 26 April 1910, Page 4

The Palmerston North Courts

Pai.mkk-iton North, April 25 The chaises against A. I l ', McMinn of discharging firearms at the dwelling house ol Neil Shield", demanding admittance to Shields house and violent behaviour, and also discharging firearms within the JJoroiigh, is set down lor hearing at the Coutt todiy, The alleged offencts occurred durioi' Powelk-i week. McViinn is also charged with assaulting Mr M. E. Laybour and E. Pratt. The alleged sucking—tip cases were not reached.

ASK ARCHER FINED L 5. This Day. . In giving judgment this morning I in the case against A. F. McMinn, lor assaulting M. K. Liybourne by covering him with a revolver and rerhimself as Powellca. Mr Thompson, S.M.. said a constable was . justified in using firearms to effect an iane't, but a private person had no such r'ght. It had been admitted by counsel (('that. McMinp covered La\ bourne with a revolver and otdered him to stop. It was a very serious matter and miyhl easily have had grave consequences On the evidence, the S.M. siid he was not satisfied accused represented himself as I'owelka and there had possibly a misunderstanding between the parlies. The conduct ol accused before and after the incident seemed 10 the S.M. altogether opposed to the of masquerading as Powelka. 'fhe evidence was that on the date accused was out looking for Powrlku with the approval of the police and McMinn's whole conduct was in accordance with the fact that h-* was searching for the fugitive. Accused was convicted of assault, but without the element of impersona'ing as alleged. Even such a use ol firearms as admitted was serious, and while recognising that th?re lud been a recent occurrence which justified approved searchers, it must be made plain that firearms could not be used or even threatened. Defendant was fined L 5. 1 MCMINN GETS A MONTH. '.

A. F. McMinn, charged with assaulting Pratt by covering him with a revolver and ordering him to put up his hands, and threatening to blow out his brains, »vas sentenced to one month's imprisonment. 'The SM. said that in thi? case there were no extenuating circumstances, except that accused was assisting the police. His conduct was altogether outrageous, and must be recognised as such by anvone.