MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Southland Times, Issue 23025, 20 October 1936, Page 12

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

MONDAY. (Before Mr W. H. Freeman, S.M.) John Joseph Kane pleaded guilty to a charge of molesting his wife by following her and speaking to her during the term of a separation order. “I just spoke to her,” said defendant. “I suppose I had better plead guilty.” Senior Sergeant Kelly said that defendant met his wife in Yarrow street and handed her a piece of paper and asked her to sign a statement that she would not take any further maintenance from him. She refused, and defendant threatened to cut her throat. The upshot of the incident was that both found their way to the courthouse office, where a disturbance resulted in defendant being ordered out of the office. “I have explained the position to defendant several times and have warned him that he must keep away from his wife during the term of the order,” added the senior sergeant. “I never threatened her,” interposed defendant from the floor of the Court "We talked and shook hands. She asked me questions and I asked her questions.” Defendant added, in answer to a question, that he had been working out of town. The Magistrate: The best thing for you to do is to stop out of town and leave your wife alone. Defendant was fined £2 10/- and warned that if he came before the Court again he would receive a term of imprisonment.