TRESPASS ON WINGATUI COURSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 50

TRESPASS ON WINGATUI COURSE.

William Irwin Black was charged with trespassing on the Wine,atui Racecourse on February 24, and neglecting and refusing to leave whsn ordered to do so. A second charge of committing a similar offence on February 25 was preferred. — Mr Williams appeared to prosecute, and Mr Ir-win represented the defendant, who pleaded " Guilty" to both charges. — Mr Irwin said that the defendant had now got a billet in Christchurch, and would not, ho thought, be on the racecourse again. He asked that a small fine should be inflicted. — The defendant was fined £5 and costs on the first charge, and 40s and costs on the second. Arthur Stoddart was charged with committing similar offences on the sane dates, and pleaded " Guilty." — He was fined £5 and costs on each charge. Walter Goodman was similarly charged, and pleaded

" Guilty." He said ne left the course when ordered to do so. He was now employed at the freezing works. — A fine of £5 and costs was imposed. Thomas Torpy was charged with committing a. like offence on February 22. — Mr W. C. MacGregor represented theaccused, who pleaded " Not guilty." — Formal evidence was given by the secretary of the Jockey Club (Mr Harry L. James). — Ernest Joseph Donoghue (a private detective in the employ of the Jockey Club) said he warned defendant off the course at 1.20 on the date in question. — Franciß Meenan said he was with the fast witness on the 22nd of February, and heard the defendant ordered to leave the course. — Samuel Kraetzer (private detective employed by the Jockey Club) said he saw the defendant at Wingatui after 2 o'clock on February 22. — Chief Detective Herbert also gave evidence. — Mr W. C. MacGregor, for the defence, said the defendant admitted all the ; facts — that he was ordered off and left, and then went back for a moment to see the stars for the Cup, not for the purpose of bookmaking. He finally left on seeing the detectives approaching. Counsel submitted that no offence had been committed. As shown by a previous case, the essence of the offence lay in a refusal to leave when ordered ; and that element was wanting here.— His Worship reserved decision. I