HIS OWN LAWYER

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 22, 18 August 1932, Page 5

HIS OWN LAWYER

CHRISTCHURCH CASE (Special Service.) CHRISTCHURCH, Wed. A young man who was charged with the theft of a quantity of foot, wear was the centre of a good deal of interest at the sitting of the Supreme Court owing to the manner in which, he conducted his own defence. Although he claimed to be ignorant of any court procedure, he was alert to any point affecting his interests. He told the court that he bcught the shoes from an unknown man in the streets. The Crown Prosecutor asked: Were the shoes emptied out of a bag on to the footpath for your inspection? The Accused: Of course not; I am not an idiot. The Chief Justice: No one would accuse you of being that. A moment later the accused drew attention to a solicitor seated beside the Crown Prosecutor. "1 thought that I heard Mr. giving you a hint," he said to the Crown Prosecu tor. "Pie has nothing to do with this case," answered the Crown Prosecu. tor smilingly. "I do not take hints from Mr. ." "Vou could take them from a much worse man;" was the accused's comment on this remark. The accused caused amusement when he appeared net to know what His Honour meant by a "dead beat." Eventually he explained to His Hon. cur that he understood the type of man referred to to be a "hobo." The accused, despite his denials was found guilty of receiving. Sen. tence was postponed.