POLICE COURT NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11572, 16 December 1915, Page 5

POLICE COURT NEWS.

TO-DAY'S CASS. Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M.. presided at to-day's sitting of the Christchurch Magistrate's Court. DRUNKENNESS. A first offender, charged with having been found drunk in Hertford Street, was fined ss, in default twenty-four hours' imprison me ii t. UNPROVOKED ASSAULTS. Heinmann Ballin (Mr Hunter) was charged with assaulting, at Christcliu/ch on December 15, Edward John Massey, by striking him in the face with his list, and also with assaulting Massey by striking him with a handbag. Mr Hunter said that his client would plead guilty to both charges. Accused had some dealing with Massey, and a small dispute arose. Accused had heard that Massey had been spreading derogatory reports about accused, who lost control of his feelings. Mr Bishop: Let mo hear the other man's story. Edward J. Massey. licensee of Coker's Hotel, said that he was in a barber's shop when defendant rushed at him and struck him. No provocation was given to accused by witness. He had no dispute with the accused; they had always been friends, and he could not understand tho assault. Witness followed accused iu the street until a constable was met with, and accused assaulted him again in the constable's presence. Mr Hunter pleaded for leniency, as his client had been arrested and taken to the police station; that was sufficient punishment. Mr Bishon: Not at all. If a man breaks the law ho is liable to arrest. It was no more punishment for your client than for any other man. I impose a line of £o on the first charge and £2 on the second, costs in each case. MAINTENANCE. Robert James Nisbett. charged with failing to maintain his child, at Wellington, the arrears amounting to £42 'lss, was remanded to appear at Wellington on Saturday morning. Bail was allowed iu £SO and one .surety of a similar amount.