SUPREME COURT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20961, 26 February 1930, Page 4

SUPREME COURT.

GISBORNE. (Per United Press Association.) GISBORNE, February 25. The Supreme Court was opened this morning before Mr Justice Blair, who commented on the light calendar and on the bribery charge against a constable as very rare and unusual. “ I may say, he added, “ that I cannot recollect having heard of a case similar to this. These cases are so rare as to reflect great credit on the Police Force.” The case concerned alleged the acceptance of a bribe by a constable to quash some proceedings in which a man had been accused of breaking and entering, the constable accepting £3 portion to be given to the Dalmatian whose place was entered, 'and portion retained by the constable, who was also charged with obtaining the money by falsa pretences, for it was represented to the person accused of breaking and entering that lie would be fined £3. The grand jury returned true bills against Wirerau Turei Hauiti, charged with breaking and entci mg with intent and indecent assault; against Vernon Winfield Linkbarged with theft; and Topia Rotohiko, charged with accepting a bribe. 1 ° Wimnu Turei Hauiti, charged witli breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime and indecent assault was found guilty on both charges with a recommendation to leniency on the grounds that there was no actual damage resulted. Sentence was deferred.

NEW PLYMOUTH. (Per United Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, February 25 In the Supreme Court to-day Ernest Edward Smith was acquitted on a charge of theft of a Jersey cow.