SUPREME COURT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9511, 5 September 1891, Page 6

SUPREME COURT.

[Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Sept. 4. At the Supreme Court sessions, on the jury being released this morning, after being locked up all night, it was found that the jurymen disagreed in the case of Bindon, charged with indecent assault, and the Judge ordered a new trial next sessions. In the case of larceny of hospital linen and pawning of the same, Sarah Eowe and Mary Henry were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment only, the Judge stating that there had been laxity on the part of the hospital authorities. Hugh Shortland was called on by his Honor to put in his plea to the charge of criminal libel, brought against him by a young lady. There was no appearance of Shortland in or about the Court when his name was called a few minutes after the opening of the Court. Mr Campbell rose and said he appeared for the informant, and he applied for a warrant for the apprehension of Shortland. His Honor said he would be quite justified in granting the request. It was a most extraordinary thing. Shortland had been informed that he would have to plead that morning, aad the orders of the Court could not be treated with contempt. Mr Shortland at this stage put in an appearance, and the indictment against him was read. The plea was handed to his Honor, and after reading it he eaid that the greater portion was totally irrelevant, and he would not allow it to be put in. Ho should direct the jury that it was no justification that because the informant libelled him he should libel her by stating she was of immoral character. It could be a plea in mitigation. Mr Shortland. stated the plea was copied from Saunders. His Honor: “ Toll me where, and give me your authority.” Mr Shortland quoted from Hodges, p. 332. He said that he was at a disadvantage through leaving some of his papers at home. His Honor said he had been ordered to have his plea ready that morning. The argument read by Shortland did nob support his plea in the slightest degree. ; Shortland again read from Hodges, p. 229, in support of the plea. His Honor ordered that the plea be amended aad delivered to-morrow mornWELLINGTON, Sept. 4. Charles Lindegreen, who, on Monday, was convicted of forgery aad remanded for inquiry by the Probation Officer, was sentenced to sis months’ imprisonment today, the report being unfavourable. In the Supreme Court, this afternoon, William Charles Hasel, of “ The Carnival of 3?un Company,” was charged with obtaining money under false pretences. The Jury found the accused guilty, but Mr Jellicoe, for the defence, asked the Court to reserve the question for the Court of Appeal whether the indictment was not bad for duplicity, and whether, upon the indictment and evidence, there was anything to support a conviction. The Chief Justice said the point was an important one, audit had occurred to himself during the trial. He would give his decision on Monday.