CITY POLICE COURT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19238, 31 July 1924, Page 13

CITY POLICE COURT.

Wednesday, July 30. (Before Mr J. 11. Bartholomew, S.M.) A Triple Offence.—Donald Hinchey appeared to answer three charges of drunkenness, of unlawfully resulting a constable in the execution of his duty, and of using obscene language within the hearing of passers-by in Stuart street.—Accused pleaded ’‘Guilty” to all three charges.— Sub-inspector Fraser said accused had been talking and arguing loudly with four other men in Bath street the night before, and when Constable Maynard told him to go away accused wanted to fight him. —Constable Maynard said he had attempted to arrest the offender in Bath street. Accused immediately resisted, and witness had a struggle which lasted for about 20 minutes before he got a handcuff on. Accused hit him over the head with the handcuff, «and it was another five muintos before witness got the other handcuff on. Sergeant Turner then came up. Accused used the language complained of going down Stuart street.—Sub-inspector Fraser said nothing wa.s previously known against the man. Accused said he had got drunk with friends and remembered nothing after 6 o’clock. He had a job at Shag Point to go to.— For drunkenness he was fined 10s, with the alternative of 24 hours’ imprisonment, and on each of the other two charges he was fined 20s, with the alternative of seven days’ imprisonment. A week was allowed in which to make payment. Cheap Board and Lodging.—A lad named Hugh Claud O’Donnell appeared to answer the charge that on June 23, with intent to defraud, he obtained from Robert Joseph Kay hoard to the value of 40s by falsely representing that he had obtained employment with Messrs Thomas Ballinger and Co.—Mr O. J. L. White appeared for Mr Hanlon in the ease, and entered a plea of ‘‘Guilty.”—Chief-detective Lewis said the accused was 21 years of ago and an electric wiremcn by occupation. He stayed at the Crown Hotel and ran an account for £6 until threatened with an action. Ho then went to the Douglas Hotel and represented that ho wa.s starting work with Ballinger and Co., but after a week the proprietor found the story was false. He then went to the Railway Hotel and gave the name of Walsh and stayed there until disturbed by the police, who were inquiring for him. The whole thing showed that the young fellow was just slacking and required some restriction. Ho had had a letter from a friend saying he could get work with Turnbull and Jones, but ho had never troubled to go and inquire. He had a good trade, and could do well if ho liked.—Mr White said his people lived at Rangiora, Accused had now got employment with the National Electric Company. He suggested that the best course would be to hold the matter over the accused’s head. The publication of the name would no doubt seriously affect him.—The Magistrate: The public might be seriously affected by the non-publication.—'The Rev. G. B. Moreton, acting probation officer, said that the account at the Crown Hotel had been paid for accused. He was receiving £4 10s a week. He wonld recommend him tor probation.—The Magistrate said this young man had been getting into loose habits, and it was just as well he had been brought up with a turn. He would bo admitted to probation for 12 months, ono condition being that restitution of the sum of £8 4s owing bo made to the probation officer. “A Shabby Theft.”—Albert Lewis Kofoed (Mr C. J. L. White) was charged with, on July 12, 1924, at Invercargill, stealing the sum of 10s, the property of Hector Thompson.—Accused pleaded ' guilty.—Chief-detec-tive Lewis said .accused was employed about 12 months ago with the Public Works Department at. Tuatapere. He received an injury to his leg, and used to visit Invercargill for treatment. When he went there he called on complainant, who was a friend of his, and who occupied a fish shop. On one occasion his friend left tire shop for a few minutes, and on his return found accused standing near the till. Complainant examined it and found 10s had been taken. Accused admitted the theft and returned the money.—Mr White said it was a foolish crime committed on the impulse of the moment. Ho would ask the magistrate to take into consideration the fact that accused was not vet 21. and came from a respectable family. Since receiving his injury he had not been the same, and in view of all +bo circumstances he suggested that accused's name he not published. The Rev. G. E. Moreton (acting probation officer) said he had interviewed accused, and this was his first lapse. Ho asked that ho be treated leniently.—The Magistrate, in convicting accused and ordering him to come up for sentence .within six months sain he would not prohibit mihhVa-t-ion of the name. This was only done in snecial cases, and a.s this was a case of a shabby theft an order would not be made.