IN THE COURTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 67, 12 November 1912, Page 5

IN THE COURTS.

(Per Press Association.)

■ Christchurch, November 12. i The Supreme Court criminal sessions were opened to-day. The grand jury amongst the true bills brought in one against Dr. Charles James Russell, for, attempted abortion. Several prisoners were sentenced—Edward Michael Wood, a Burnham escapee, was ordered to be detained in gaol for reformative purposes. Robert Dickson Warden and .Leslie Ennesford Scollar were ordered .to be sent back to Burnham, as also was William Duncan, alias Eriwata Helen. Shepherd Copland, on a charge of theft from a dwelling, was ordered to . come up for sentence when called upon, and further to pay £3 3s towards the cost of the proceedings. Wm. McCabe was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for carnally knowing his niece. Alexander Kennedy, 16 years of age, on a charge of breaking and entering, was ordered to come up foxsentence when called upon. Maurice Paul Nottingham, on a charge of forgery, was similarly dealt with, and ordered to refund £2, together with £3 costs. Leslie Layton Smith, on several charges of failing to account for money, was sentenced to* nine months’ imprisonment, concurrently. George Roche pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary, and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. Dunedin, November 12. . At the Supreme Court to-day William James Gxidsby pleaded guilty, to stealing a keg of ale at Kaitangata. Prisoner was fined £lO and detained until the fine was paid, the term of imprisonment 1 not to exceed three months. James Stevens was charged with breaking and entering and ste .ling a tin of castor oil at Naso by. The man pleaded in defence that he had left an intimation on a piece of wood that he had taken the oil. Agcusnl was acquitted. A .lad 17 years of age, minted Thomas Collins, was charged With indecently assaulting a girl 12 years of age. The alleged assault was ( not an aggravated one, and the jury, acquitted the accused after a quarter I

of an hour’s retirement. A young man ' named John James'White was charged with robbing a man of a handbag! and ss, and with using personal vicl-j ence. A charge of indecent assault ’ was thrown out by the Grand Jury. At | the end of a quarter of an hour’s deli- j Iteration the jury found accused guil- 1 ty, but recommended him to mercy, as the offence was committed under the influence of drink. Sentence was deferred.

Blenheim, November 12. In the Supreme Court cases of fraud on bookmakers, Edmund John Walsh, aged 34, and John Vernon Binley, aged 25, were found guilty on all counts. The Judge, in sentencing the accused, laid stress on their previous good character, and the fact that they had been locked up for some time on,account of the breakdown of the former trial. The Jury’s recommendation also weighed with him, and he thought the ends of justice would bo served if they were not sentenced to a term of imprisonment. The proper course under the circumstances was to inflict a find and order the costs to be paid bv instalments. Each was fine ! £25, with imprisonment till the- fine was paid not to exceed three months. Walsh would have to pay £2O costs and Binley £lO. Five weeks was given to pay the fine.