SUPREME COURT

Otago Witness, Issue 3397, 23 April 1919, Page 26

SUPREME COURT

<» CRIMINAL AND CHAMBERS. His Honor Mr Justice Stringer held a sitting of the Supreme Court on the 15th. FALSE DECLAHATIOX. Garnet Henry Larigdcn and Lcuie Pierey were brought before His Honor for sentence on a charge of making a false declaration with regard to the birth of a child. Mr W. L- Moore appeared for the accused, and stated that there seemed to be some excuse for the action by the male accused. From the depositoins it was clear that the girl had told a Mrs Drysdalo when she was asked for particulars as to the birth of the child, that she was married to the male accused, who apparently said nothing at all. But when charged with the offence he took the whole of the blame upon himself. His Honor said that the male accused had committed an offence against morals, and then concealed it by committing an offence against the law. He would bo ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution, amounting to £2 Bs. He had done a foolish thing, and had been actuated by an improper motive. The female prisoner would be discharged. A EEGHETTABLE CASE. Hugh Goodlet was brought up for sentence on a charge of breaking and enterivig and stealing. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr Wirt. C. MacGregor, K.C.)-. stated that the probation officer had seme suggestions to make as to the accused. It was a rather difficult matter to know what to do with him. There was nothing known against his character except that he got drunk, and he was in that condition when he committed the offence with which ho was charged. He had made no attempt to hide the stolen articles. The Probation Officer (Rev. Mr Gumming) recommended that the accused be placed on probation, and that ho be prohibited from drinking. The man was a soldier who had not vet got his discharge, still being under medical treatment. His Honor said: I learn from the papers that you were sentenced to imprisonment in France for drunkenness. Then I see that the sentence was remitted because of your extreme gallantry in the field. I think it pitiable that a brave man like you arc —and you evident]v are a brave man—who would under ordinary circumstances be entitled to the respect of your fellow citizens should practically drag yourself down to the levnl of a common criminal by getting drunk and committing this offence. You will be placed on probation for a term of two years on the following conditions: that a prohibition order be taken out against you for one year and that you pay the costs of the prosecution (£2 8s) by instalments