RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1321, 22 November 1864, Page 5

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Saturday, Nov. 19. (Before C. C. Bo wen, Esq., R.M.) Larceny in a Dwelling.—John Murray Mitchell, who was convicted at the Supreme Court, a few sessions back, and imprisoned for six months on a charge of obtaining money under false pretences, was brought up charged with stealing a the following circumstances. Constable butt erianu stated that on Saturday morning at 7 a.m., he was on duty in High-street, when Mr. Tucker (the prosecutor) gave the prisoner into his custody, alleging that he had robbed him of a £10 note in the course of the previous night. The prisoner, at first, aenuw his guilt, but subsequently confessed that he nai taken the money, but asserted that he had done so for a joke. He returned the note to the prosecutor. The witness produced the note. The prisoner declined to ask the witness any questions, it. o. Tucker deposed that he was an importer or tancy coods living in London-street Lyttelton. He slept on Friday night at the Groves of Blarney public liouse. The prisoner slept in the same room witn him. In the morning he got up, dressed himself ana werit out. Prosecutor suspecting that something was wrong, examined his trousers pockets, and found that a £10 note was missing. On the previous evening he had about £34 in his pocket; his trousers were hanging over the end of the bed. He taxed the

prisoner, who had then returned to the room, with the theft. He denied the charge,and stripped off his clothes, in order that the witness might searcn them, but the note was not found. Prosecutor subsequently searched the dining room and the furniture, the prisoner stating that he had been there. While he was searching the sofa, the prisoner snatched up something from under the carpet, and put it in his pocket. Prosecutor demanded to see what it was, but he refused, and left the house. Prosecutor called up .Gosnell, the landlord, and asked him for his assistance. Gosnell spoke to him, and after some conversation, the prisoner went with the prosecutor into the bed-room. He saw him throw something on the floor, which proved to be the missing note. Prisoner gave hiin the note, saying that he had been collecting the accounts of a builder in Christchurch, and had lost £10 which he was anxious to replace. He asked him to lend him the £10, on the pretext that he was fafraid of losing his situation. Prosecutor refused and gave him into custody. The depositions were read over, and the prisoner, after being cautioned in the usual manner, was asked by the Resident Magistrate if he had any defence to oifer. He replied that he had taken the money, but had not done so with any felonious intention; he hoped that the magistrate would deal summarily with the case. The Resident Magistrate observed that this could not be done; he must be committed for trial at the Supreme Court. Committed accordingly. Monday, Nov. 21. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq., R.M.) Lunact.—William Robb was brought up as being a person of unsound mind. It appeared that the poor man had been suffering from outrageous mania, so much so that the person in charge of him was compelled to place a strait waistcoat upon him. He appeared in Court in his shirfc-sleeves, with his hands handcuffed behind his back. Drs. Stedman and Nedwill having deposed that it was dangerous for himself and others that he should be at large, he was sent to the Asylum. On the statement of the same medical gentlemen, William Burroughs was aho sent to the Asylum as a lunatic. Discharged Lunatic.—A person who had been afflicted with insanity since Oct. 15th, but who had recovered from it, was discharged on the certificate of Dr. Stedman. The patient expressed his acknow- • ledgments to Mr. Seager for the kindness and attention which he had experienced whilst in the Asylum, and to the Resident Magistrate for his kindly sympathy. The Stabbing Case.—John Webb was brought up on remand charged with having stabbed Robert Gilkes. Dr. Frankisli deposed that the prosecutor was unable to attend; an abscess had formed on his thigh, and he thought that it would be a long time before he would be fit to give his testimony. Webb was remanded for a week, being admittted to the same bail.

Stealing prom a Dwelling.—John Alexander was charged with having stolen two shillings from the till of the bar of the Royal Oak. Evidence having been heard in corroboration of the charge, the prisoner was sent to Lyttelton Gaol for a fortnight with hard labour.