POLICE COURT NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20516, 18 March 1930, Page 14

POLICE COURT NEWS.

VAGRANT IN EMPTY HOUBE. DANGER OF FIRE EMPHASISED. "There is always a danger of firo when these men go in a half-intoxicated condition into empty houses and start smoking," said Sub-Inspector McCarthy in the Police Court yesterday, when Daniel Keane, aged 50, labourer, was charged with being idle and disorderly. He pleaded guilty. Mr. McCarthy said that accused was found smoking in an empty house. Ho had been constantly in trouble for a number of years past, and had 55 previous convictions.

The magistrate, Mr. W. R. McKean, passed sentence of three months' imprisonment.

The theft of an overcoat, valued at 7s 6d, from a motor-car in Elliott Street on Saturday, was admitted by Charles Buck, aged 25, fireman on the steamer Mutakana. The sub-inspector said that the caretakqr at' the parking area saw accused and accosted him. Accused, although he was not drunk, seemed to be dazed from the effects of drinking and not to know what he was doing. He had over £4 in his possession. A fine of £2 10s, with payment of costs, 10s, was imposed. "It is an unfortunate case; it would be a pity to send accused to gaol if he can be looked after anywhere else," naid the magistrate, when Robert Reid, aged 60, described as a photographer, appeared after being remanded for a_ week for sentence on a charge of being idle and disorderly. According to the police accused had no money and no home. There was nothing against him except that he had nowhere to go. In order that inquiries might be made at the Salvation Army Home, the remanded accused again until this morning.