SUPREME COURT.—Criminal Sittings.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8756, 18 April 1890, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.— Criminal Sittings.

( Continued from yesterday.) On tltc Court resuming at 2 o'clock, Mr Standish stated that it was possible that ii copy of the Koran could bo got in ten minutes, and in the meantime he would take another witness.

Patrick Herbert, detective stationed in Auckland, said he knew a Hindoo named Korbonari by repute. lie had been enquiring diligently through tho colony for him, and from what came to his knowledge he believed tho Hindoo had left the colony.

A short delay was hero occasioned through waiting for a copy of tho Koran, which was forthcoming at twenty -five minutes past 2 o'clock. It was an English translation, and Mahomet Ilara said ho was willing to take the oath with it, which lie did. U.G said he saw Korbonari in Auckland about five weeks ago, and that he saw a steamer leave Aucklaud for Sydney with Korbonari on board.

Hia Honor then said he would admit Korbonari's depositions, which were read to the jury. The depositions were in effect that accused said in his presence at Ncwland's boarding house that he had a silver watch for sale at £3 10, which he had given £5 10s for. The watch was similar to the one ho saw, and so was the chain.

This was the evidence.

Accused would not give evidence, but addressed the jury. He said that Savage gave him the watch to take care of when he (Savage) was drunk, lie had known Savage previously, and had stayed two days in his house at the time of the bush fires at Stratford, thus showing acquaintance. If ho had been out on bail he would have been able to subpevna witnesses to prove what he stated, He left his case to the good judgment of the jury, knowing he would get justice from them.

His Honor then summed up, and went fully into the evidence, pointing out the points weak and otherwise in it, and the jury retired.

SHEEP STEALING. WhaluaneJce, a Maori, was charged with stealing, on December 9, 1889, one sheep, the property of William Spearman Young. Major Brown was sworn in as interpreter,

Accused pleaded guilty to tho charge,

lianuiy another Maori, was charged with stealing, on December 9, 1889, one sheep, the property o£ W. S. Young. This accused also pleaded guilty.

Both accused had nothing to say. His Honor sentenced each of the accused to twelve months' imprisonment, with hard labor.

BREAKING AND ENTERING,

Charles William Ninlcey, alias Linkoj', pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the store of John Kendall, at Rahotu, and stealing goods as specified.

Accused admitted three previous charges of larceny, and another charge at Hamilton and Auckland. lie served three months on the first — three charges taken together — and six months on the second.

In answer to His Honor, accused said he hoped His Honor would bo lenient, as he had given no trouble by pleading guilty, and caused no expense. He also said he would lead a better life for the future.

His Honor said it was not a question o£ trouble that could be considered, and as for the expense, that had been enormous, as half a dozen witnesses had been brought from Auckland. He pointed out *o prisoner his former career, and said penal servitude would be his portion if he came before the Court again. He then sentenced prisoner to eighteen months' imprisonment with hard labor.

FORGERY.

William Whektn, an old man, was charged with forging a cheque for £1 10s »n the Bank of New Zealand, on February 27th.

Accused pleaded guilty, and admitted several previous convictions against himself. He said he was drunk when he forged the cheque.

In answer to tho Court Inspector Pardy said that accused once held a fair position in Wanganui, but had given way to liquor, and had got into a series of trouble. He got cheques cashed on tho strength of his former position.

The prosecutor, Stewart Sarjeant, was here called, and said that he knew accused by sight when he went to school in Wanganui. Accused was sober when he came to his shop.

His Honor then said that the case seemed to be one more for the lunatic asylum than anything else. His Honor read out no less than ten previous charges of swindling, which had all been committed within the short space of nine months. The liberty of accused appeared to be detrimental to the public. A sentence of two years' hard laboi was then passed.

The jury in Philpot's case, who retired at 3 o'clock, could not agree and were locked up for the night.