MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2524, 4 February 1869, Page 3

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, Feb. 3. (Before C. C. Bowen, Esq, R.M.) Drunkenness. James Clifford was charged with having been drunk and disunity, and on a second charge of wilful destruction of property. Hogg deposed that the prisoner, while in a state of intoxication, had deliberately broken the glass,in bis window. It would take nine shillings to replace the glass. His Woiship said that as the prisoner had never been before the Court, he would discharge him on condition that he raid the amount of damage and the costs L), which the prisoner promised to do.— Phillip Bertrand was charged with having (feu drunk and incapable. As it was his first offence, his Worship discharged him with a caution.—Edward Reece was charged with Itfiiig drunk and disorderly. Mr Cotterill appeared for the prisoner. Constables Kennedy and Jeffreys were called in support of the charge. The former deposed that the prisoner had made use of some insulting expressions towards him as he was passing on his beat opposite the White Hart. Prisoner to stupidly drunk at the time, and made use of some bad language. He cautioned the prisoner, and advised him to go home, but was ultimately obliged to take him into custody. The prisoner resisted, and lay down upon the footpath. A crowd gathered round, and some of those who were in prisoner's company attempted to rescue him. Witness called a cab, and with the .usiitance of Constable Jeffreys got the prisoner inside, and brought him to the lockup. Constable Jeffreys corroborated last witness' testimony. The prisoner was stupidly drunk, and did not get sober until one o'clock in the morning. For the defence, a witness named Price was called, irbo deposed that he had gone to the White Hart Hotel for the purpose of bringing Mr Reece home. He had engaged a cab, and Mr Reece came with him. Witness went back for a cigar, and when he returned immediately afterwards Mr Reece was arrested. Witness did not hear Mr Reece make use of say bad or insulting language. Another vitness named Gradwell deposed that he was -close to Mr Keece when he was arrested. Did not hear him make use of insulting language towards the constable. M. B. Hart said he was in the coffee-room of his hotel at the time Mr Reece was taken into custody. Heard no bad language made use of. Could have heard him if Mr Keece was conducting himself in a disorderly manner. Mr Cottrell urged that the prisoner had not committed any breach of the peace. His Worship said lie was satisfied from the evidence that the prisoner was drunk and disorderly. He was torry that such had been the case, for, instead of conducting himself in such a manner, the prisoner ought to set an example to others in the way of maintaining order. He must impose a fine of 20s.

Labceni fboh a Dwelling. Allan McGregor was remanded till to-morrow morning on a charge of stealing from a dwelling, as Inspector Fender stated that the prosecutrix was out of Christchurch.

LYTTELTON. (Before W. Donald, Esq., R.M.) Betosal op Ddtt. John Macdonald, eailor on board the ship Blue Jacket, was ■charged with this offence. Arthur Webber, third officer stated that the accused would sot work. The Bench sentenced him to 14 4ays' imprisonment with hard labour, Obtainihg Goods Under False Pbeiencss.—Henry W. Andrews was charged with this offence. Mr A. Heron, storekeeper, Jtated that the accused called at his shop on January 2, and purchased goods to the imonnt of £llss. At accused's request he wrote an order on Mr Wynn Williams, and the accused signed it, remarking that Mr Wynn Williams was transacting business for him, and he bad deposited some money with him. The prosecutor went to Christchurch ud presented the order to the clerk at Mr Wynn Williams, who said there was no Honey for Andrews there. The order given £2. By Sergeant McKnight: The order produced is the same, I would not have pten him the goods without the order. My *ife had sold the goods before I came into the shop. He asked me for writing materials, jy the Court: The order was dictated by the accused. By accused: I did not send Vincent after you at Cholmondley's. Ido Dot know him. The police applied for a reOsnd, which was granted. CIVIL CASE. Percy v. Moeriss.—Claim, £llos. Judgment for plaintiff, the amount to be paid ! ffee ki «r a months' imprisonment.