POLICE COURT NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17139, 19 April 1919, Page 7

POLICE COURT NEWS.

THEFT OF SAILING BOAT.

ADMITTED to probation.

The theft of a sailing boat, valued at . £14, the property of Thomas Gavin, and of a dinghy, valued at £5, belonging to Jane Waite, was admitted by Joseph _ Nelson, a half-caste, before Mr. J. E. Wilson, , S.M., in the Police Court on Thursday. i The prosecution stated that the accused removed the two boats from Freeman s ] Bay on April 11, and took them to Taka- | puna. He there repainted the yacht with 1 paint found in her. One evening he left i for Auckland, and while off the Devonport beacon was hailed by the owner, who had hired a launch to search for his boat. The magistrate said he would give ,tlie man a chance. Accused would be convicted and ordered to ewe up for sentence when called on, on the condition that he obtained work at once, and remained in it for two years. Ha would also have to report to the probation officer. Costs amounted to £2 to cover the paint used and tools IoA, and £2 8s witnesses expenses. A period of two months ill which to pay was allowed. ILLEGALLY ON RACECOURSE. Walter Preston (Mr. A. Moody) admitted having entered and remained on, A the Auckland Trotting Club's racecourse oil April 5, when prohibited. Mr. Moody submitted that Preston was not betting, but was merely watching the racing. Detective-Sergearit Hammond said the police wished it known that such persons could not enter racecourses with impunity. A fine of £10 with costs was imposed. CHARGE AGAINST DALMATIAN. Jack Ulrich (Mr. Singer), a Dalmatian, I pleaded guilty to having left the Kernpebi drainage works without permission. Mr. Singer said the accused wifch others, was given permission by the timekeeper to go to Thames races. Owing to irregular boat services, he did not return until the dav after the expiration of his leave. In order to obtain further evidence, the case was adjourned. A TECHNICAL ASSAULT. Hans P. Mortinson was charged that on March 29 lie assaulted R. R. Hutchison, a bailiff, while in the lawful execution of his duty. Counsel for plaintiff stated that Hutchison, under instruction, entered defendant's house, and asked for the rent owing. Defendant told him he must go. and pushed his shoulder slightly- The defence was that the bailiff entered without knocking, and asked for the money, saying: 41 You put your hand on my shoulder and IT go." Defendant did so, and plaintiff then said he would bring a charge of assault. The maigtote held that it was a technical assault only. The defendant was ordered to pay 27a costs.

THEFT AN® ASSUMED NAME.

Charges of having stolen a coat valued at £2, the property of James Hanlin GUI, and of having broken the Military Service Regulations by assuming a name other than that by which be was customarily known were preferred against John Fiti>, i alias Copeland. Evidence was given ftha.t Pitt was employed at the Mental Hospital, occupying a room with James Gill. On April 3 he refused duty, and left. It was then found that Gill's coat was missing. Accused was subsequently found in Auckland, living at a boardinghouse under the name of Copeland. Accused said he had been wearing the coat for two months, and had no intention of theft. He did not' remember having given an incorrect name at the boarding nouse. Drink was his only trouble. Accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within the next two years. He was prohibited, and ordered to take work as directed by the probation officer.

FINED FOR ASSAULT.

James McNamara pleaded provocation to the charge of having assaulted Andrew Parsons at Dsvonport on March 27. Parsons said the accused struck hinatwice, saying: "I'll teach you to uistflt my wife." Parsons said he did not insult Mrs. McNamara. but had asked her if she had seen some fowls which had been given to him by a neighbour. Defendant said Parsons made a complaint about the fowls, and he did aot want his wife annoypd in I such a manner. A fine of £5 and 25s costs was imposed.

MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES.

Andrew Kelly denied a charge of having | driven a mot™ negligently in a speed! and a manner dangerous to the public at i Waikumete on January 22. It was alleged that while driving at an excessive speed he ran into a heard of cows in a cutting, bumping one severely. Defendant was fined 10s, with 25s costs. Four first offenders for drunkenness were i convicted end discharged, and one forfeited 10s bail. At a short sitting of the Police Court, held yesterday before Messrs. J. Jamieson and J. Woodall, J.P.'s, presiding, drunk ness was admitted by five first offenders.