LAW AND POLICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10124, 6 May 1896, Page 3

LAW AND POLICE.

POLICE COURT.-Tuesdat. [Before Mr. H. W. Northcroft, S.M.)

Inciting to Resist.—Martha McManus was charged with having incited, ou May 9, one, John lukster, to resist Constable O'Brien, who was in the execution of his duty. The case was adjourned by His Worship on accused promising to keep out of Auckland. Allkckd Theft.-A lad named Thomas Sullivan was remauded til! the 12th May, on a charge of having committed theft at the dwelling of one James MoNauglitou. John Smith was charged with having ou May 4th stolen a shirt from the shop of Richaid Hobos, and after hearing the statement of one of" Mr. Hobl)3' assistants, the accused was sent to gaol for one month. Thomas Hayes, an elderly man, pleaded guilty to having stolen a coat and two handkerchiefs, of the total value of 15s, the property of Samuel Sheldon, and the Bench imposed a sentence of six weeks. lteucii of tub SHors and Shop Assistants Act.—James Bevege was charged with a breach of the Shops and Shop Assistants Act by failing to close his shop on tho afternoon of April 23rd. Mr. McAlister appeared for the Inspector of Factories, and said the defendant had chosen Thursday as the day on which he would comply with the Act, but ou the date mentioned in the charge, he had kept his shop open. James Bevege said he had no intention of committing a breach of the Act, but had kept his shop open quite unconscious that it was his day for closing. A fine of 10s, with 30s costs, was imposed. Alleged Houses of 111-repote. — A young man named James Hoinan was charged that he did, ou April 18th, keep a brothel. Mr. Napier appeared for the accused, and stated that the police could only prove that defendant had paid the rent of a house in Mills' Lane kept by a woman named Sinnett, couvicted last week of having kept a brothel. Couusel said when the accused was away at his busiuess, he did not know the woman was leading the life she had. He suggested that the evidence given in the case of Auuie Sinnett might be taken in the present charge, and asked His Worship to adjourn the case, as his client, feelim; he could not continue at his present employment after the evidence he had given at the case previously mentioned, intended leaving Auckland. Human was quite a young man-some-where about 'il— counsel thought it might be the first step towards making him a criminal if he were sent to gaol. Sergeant Uamule was willing that the evidence in Annie Siunett's cask, in which Homan said he was keeping her, should beevideuce in the present case. His Worship said some time since the accused came before him in connection with a row betweeu two women of ill repute, aud his counsel had then said mi his behalf that he would fry and live a new life, and give up his bad associates. His Worship dealt leniently with him on that understanding, and was very much surprised to see him come forward ..mi give the evidence he did in Sinnett cisr. He would, however, take into consideration the circumstances, including the accused's youth, and adjourn the case for one week, on condition that he left the city as promised. Mr. Northcroft pointed out very kindly to the young man the folly of persevering in ilia present line of conduct, aud gave him some wholesome advice as 10 his future behaviour. Thomas Calvert, also a very ' young nun, was then charged with having committed a like offence. Mr. Brassey appeared for the accused, and asked that the case might be dealt with in a similar manner to the last, as the circumstances were muoh akin to it. Last week a young woman •lamed Lily Clark was convicted of having been concerned in the management of a nouse of ill-fame in Brewer's Lane, and the present accused had then stated he was keeping her. Sergeant Gamble said ho could not consent to the same evidence sufficing for this case, as he now had evidence of a much stronger nature to produce. Mr. Brassey admitted the evidence heard ill the case mentioned, and Sergeant Gamble called Margaret Pernell, who stated she was halfsister to tiie Lily Clark previously mentioned. She was examined at considerable length as to the relations between Calvert and Lily Clark, and stated that he had received money from the latter and another female which had been got for immoral purposes. The witness also told a remarkable story of Calvert's conduct towards her halfsister when he was displeased with her. She (witness) alleged that he had on on* occasion thrown a penknife at Lily Clark, which entered her wrist; and at another time he had stuck hat-pins in her cheek, and dared her to take them out, or he would put them back. He had also as a punishment, made her take twelve packets of Kpsom salts, and in addition to endeavouring to choke her several limes, Calvert had made her chew tobacco, which, if she expectorated, he threatened to force her to sleep on the floor all night. Mr. Brassey did not call the accused, and Lily Olark denied that Calvert had ever treated her in the manner described. Evidence was alsogiven by a boy named Pernell who had lived in the house with the accused and Lily Clark, and he denied that any cruelty had been practised to his knowledge. His orship suid Margaret Pernell had given her evidence most clearly, and he was satisfied that the case was made oat against the accused. It was one of the most painful cases he had ever heard, and flogging would, he thought, be the only meet punishment. He would deal with the case as severely as the law allowed, and would sentence the accused to three months' imprisonment, and it he had the power he would pass a more severe sentence, and have him dogged.