RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Colonist, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4170, 20 June 1885, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

YESTERDAY. [Before 0. Cubtis, Esq., R.M.] A. D. Bayfeild for allowing a oow to stray on the street was fined 5s and costs 7s. Frederick Eansome Seaborne, charged with embezzling monajs belonging to the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Association, was further remanded to Hokitika. John M'Leary, a cab driver and proprietor, was charged with the robbery from Mr Alexander M'Gregor, a commercial traveller, of £4. Mr F. H. Cooke appeared for the accused. It was elicited in evidence tbat Mr M'Gregor and Mr Thompson were staying at the Golden Fleece Hotel, and on Wednesday last had made arrangements with M'Leary to drive them out of town in the afternoon. After dinner they went up to their respective rooms and lay down. Mr M'Gregor having counted his money found he had four one pound notes in a bundle by itself, and a one pound note and some silver. • M'Leary did not arrive at the hotel with bis cab till about 4 o'clock, and learning that Messrs M'Gregur and Thompson were lying down, he was told Ito go up and call them. M'Gregor stated he was awakened by feeling a hand in the left hand pocket of bia trousers, and he Saw M'Leary there with his hand in his pocket. He asked him what he . was doing, when M'Leary said, " What about this drive to Stoke ?" M'Gregor said he would be ready in a few minutes, and the , accused then went to call Mr Thompson. Mr M-Gregor then immediately missed his £4, and following after M'Leary accused him .'.of robbing him, when M'Leary seemed'confused and said, " Do you think I have stolen your money." M'Gregor said' that if M'Leary did not give up the money he would give information to the police, and this he subsequently did. M'Le&ry was arrested about 8 o'clock, and on being taken to the Police Station was searched, but the missing money was not found on him. ! Mr Cooko commented on the fact that the missing money was not found on the accused, and urged that the evidence was altogether insufficient; that the charge must be^ dismissed for want of proof. ' His Worship said there was no doubt in his mind, for he considered the case clearly proved. The defendant having consented to ' the. er.s1 • bsing dealt 1- with summarily, his Worship sentenced the accused- to; G^moriths; imprisonment with hard labor.