SUPREME COURT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16121, 9 May 1923, Page 7

SUPREME COURT.

<l'cr I'ress Association.)

WELLINGTON, last night

The grand jury returned true bills in all eases brought, before them, including the charges of murder against the Coopers, man and wife. The only ease proceeded with today was a charge. against Sydney .Arthur, of breaking and entering, with intent to commit rape and assault, and causing actual bodily harm. It was stated tire woman assaulted was old and inlirm, 78 years of age. The accused was alleged lo have entered the premises by means of a window, and after questioning the woman about another female he assaulted the old woman, who was in bed. She screamed **murder,” and struggled with accused. Her log was injured and a rib broken, and she was convoyed to hospital. The jury found Arthur guilty of breaking and entering and assault with intent to do bodily harm. : AUCKLAND, May S. The criminal sessions opened to-day. In his charge to the grand jury, Mr. Justice Stringer Haiti he was glad to say the number of cases was below the average and none were of special importance. Albert Joseph Payne, Harold Herbert Payne, and Charles Henry Cox were charged with breaking and entering tit Whangarei, and alternatively with theft and receiving. Cox was acquitted on all charges. Both the Paynes were found not guilty of breaking and entering, but- guilty of receiving. Harold Payne was sentenced to six months ’ imprisonment, and Albert Payne lo twelve months’ imprisonment.

DUNEDIN, this day

The Supreme Court opened this morning. His Honor Mr. .lustico Sim was welcomed by tho Law Society. Richaird Pickard Jones, who pleaded guilty of indecent assault on a boy, was fined £2O. Counsel's statement showed that accused hud an excellent war record, having gone with the Main Body as a commissioned officer. He had been drinking heavily. The Judge said the assault was not very serious. j