THE WRONG MAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19800, 18 November 1919, Page 7

THE WRONG MAN.

FALSE NAME AND ADDRESS. A TRAMWAY CASE. The Tramway Board drew a blank iu one case at the Magistrate's Court this morning, but secured a substantial penalty in the other. The name of Gordon Moffatt was wad out iu connection witli charges of having interfered with a hand brake, refusing to give his name and address, and giving a false name ami address. “The wrong man has been brought before tho Court,” said Mr J. J. Don. gall, who appeared for tho Tramway Board, “The man who committed the offence gave a false name and address. Witnesses have seen the. man, and ho is not. the man who committed the offence. We have not found the right man." Mr Goodman, who appeared for Moffatt, asked for costs and witness's expenses. Tho Magistrate allowed a solicitor'!, fee, but no witnesses’ expenses. George Andrews was tho next name called, and this time the defendant appeared to answer the charges, widen, were:---Using offensive words on a tram, car (two charges) and persisting in travelling on a, tramear platform. Mr Dougall asked that a penalty should be imposed. The accused, he said, was “known to tho tramway people.” He had been abusive on more than one occasion. Ho had been convicted on December IS last and fined, but tho line had been remitted on account of defendant being in ill. health. “ I must plead for leniency on behalf of my wife and little children,” stud defendant, when asked how he would plead. He said that he was ijn poo*’ health. Tho Magistrate: This Offence seems to be a sort of mania with you. Yon are fined 20s and costs on each charge, with solicitor’s fees.