Police Court

Southland Times, Issue 17079, 30 October 1902, Page 2

Police Court

WEDNESDAY, 28th OCTOBER

Before Mr S. E. McCarthy, S. M. OBSCENE LANGUAGE. A young man named Alexander Cook was charged with using obscene language in Dee street on Tuesday night. He said that he had no recollection of using the words complained of.—Constable Holmes gave evidence that he heard accused use the words mentioned. Accused was not drunk, but was slightly under the influence of liquor.—Accused gave evidence that he had no recollection of using obscene "language, but would not deny that he had used it. He was under the influence of liquor at the time.—J. Thomson gave evidence that lie had known accused since infrfucy. Ho hud always borne a good characton He went to South Africa with the 10th Contingent, and since his return bud associated a good deni with his comrades, and taken too much liquor.—His Worship said that in view of the previous good character oi accused a heavy penalty would not be imposed, but such offences must be met with substantial punishment. Fined £5 and costs. DRUNKENNESS. A first offender was fined IJs, costs 2s, in default 24 hours’ imprisonniqut, for drunkenness. DISORDERLY. Michael Kano was charged with disorderly behaviour while drunk, end with resisting Constable Ready in the execution of his duty. Ho pleaded guilty to the first charge and not guilty to the second.—Constable Ready gave evidence that he arrested the accused near Jopps’ stables on Tuesday night for drunkenness and disorderliness. While taking him along the street accused caught hold of a door and tried to pull himself inside a shop. Further on accused became very violent and wanted to light. There was a tussle on the path, and when trying to handcuff accused he bit a small piece out of witness’ thumb. A cab was procured and the accused was taken to the station.—Accused made several statements, charging Constables Ready and Scandrett with assaulting hitn. He said that Constable Ready struck him first in Dee street., and that Constable Scandrett assaulted him in the watehhouse.—Constable Ready denied that lie struck accused at all. The marks on his face were there before accused was arrested. — Constable Scandrett said that lie did not see the accused in the watchhouse at all. He did not go on duty till 9 o’clock, some considerable time after accused was brought in.—Sergeant Bowden said that accused was mad drunk when brought to the station, and his charges against the constables were without foundation. Ho. was instructed by Inspector Mitchell to apply for the issue of a prohibition order against the accused. There had been an order against him On a previous occasion which had hud a beneficial effect. He was a good workman and belonged to a respectable family but at Huies gave way to drink.-Mlis Worship convicted and discharged accused for disorderly behaviour, and fined him £5, costs 4s, for resisting the constable. A prohibition order was issued against bun for 12 months.