MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 4 October 1907, Page 2

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4. (Before Messrs H. Baigent, W. Bethwaite, and P. McCorry, Justices.) CHARGES AGAINST A PROHIBITED PERSON. Two charges against a prohibited person of procuring liquor were adjourned till October 25th, they being beyond the jurisdiction of Justices. RIDING A BICYCLE WITHOUT A LIGHT. 1 Percy Bates was charged with having, on September 24th, ridden a bicycle at night without, proper and sufficient r light. The defendant pleaded guilty. Mr A. T. Maginnity, who appeared : for the defendant, expl_Tined that defendant had been delayed at the Port by his employers until late, and he asked that a nominal fine only be imposed. The defendant was fined ls, with costs 7s. : AN ALLEGED SERIOUS OFFENCE. Francis John Sparks appeared on remand charged with having, on September 27th, at the Custom House Hotel, tho Port, attempted to commit an unnatural offence. Mr C. J. Harley appeared for the accused. The case was heard with closed doors. At the rquest oif Mr Harley, all witnesses were ordered to leave the Court until they had given evidence, and to remain in Court after they had been in the box. Evidence was given by Donald Wells, licensee of the Custom House Hotel ; Eric Wells, a porter at the hotel ; Edward Teehan, aged 23, the witness principally concerned ; and Constable Fitzsimmons. At the conclusion of tho evidence, Mr Harley addressed the Bench and submitted that the evidence did not disclose th offence that was alleged. The Bench retired, and on returning committed the accused for trial. Bail was aliowed, accused in £300 and two sureties of £150 each. Pending bail, the accused will be detained in the Nelson lock-up for a few days, and then sent to the Terrace, Gaol, Wellington, to await the next session of the Supreme Court at Nelson on December Ilth. — « ■ —