DAMAGES AGAINST CONSTABLE

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 79

DAMAGES AGAINST CONSTABLE

FULL AMOUNT PAID OVER!* The last chanter in what is commonly referred to as the “Macartney case” was written in the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning, when a petition to have George Macartney adjudged a bankrupt was withdrawn. On July 23, John William Lockett wag arrested in Mornington by Constable Macartney and charged with drunkenness, the information being dismissed. Arising out of the arrest Lockett claimed £lOO for assault and £3OO for alleged wrongful imprisonment. The case was heard at the November sittings of the Supreme Court, and the jury found for plaintiff, awarding him £175 damages. A charge of perjury was then preferred against Macartney, but the magistrate dismissed it. In the meantime Macartney had not paid over the amount of the damages awarded against him, and in order to enforce payment Lockett's solicitor (Mr W. G. Hay) filed a petition asking that Macartney be adjudged a bankrupt. The hearing of the petition was set down for Tuesday,' but when it was mcitioned Mr Hay said the amount had been, paid in full, and since there were no other creditors he had no objection to the petition being withdrawn. His Honor Mr Justice Sim gave leav# to withdraw the petitioiL-