WOULD NOT BELIEVE THE ANGEL GABRIEL, COMPLAINS COUNSEL

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 21 December 1928, Page 10

WOULD NOT BELIEVE THE ANGEL GABRIEL, COMPLAINS COUNSEL

MAGISTRATE’S ATTITUDE DISCUSSED IN COURT. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, December 21. “What did you plead guilty to the charge for the* other day when you appeared?” Mr Hunt, S.M., asked George Caffery, who pleaded not guilt}’ to-day to stealing a purse containing 65s from a man in a hotel. lie was allowed to change the plea because his counsel, Mr J. F. W. Dickson, said there had been a misunderstanding. Caffery said he spoke low, and perhaps Mr Hunt did not hear him say “not.” “Oh, don’t tell me that! ” replied Mr Hunt. “I’m very careful in taking pleas.” Cotinsel claimed that there was no case to answer, but Mr Hunt thought otherwise. Mr Dickson: Why, if the case went to a jury I’m sure Caffery would b$ found not guilty. Mr. Hunt: Probably. Mr Dickson: Juries are best judges of facts in the world. Mr Hunt: That might be so, but I’m entitled to use my common sense. I know how robbing drunken men goes on in hotels. Mr Dickson: Quite so, but so many stories are told to magistrates that their .mental condition is such that you would not believe even the Angel Gabriel. . Mr Hunt: Don’t talk nonsense. I’ve let a few of your clients off, anyway, in my time. Caffery was sentenced to one month, Mr Hunt giving him a light sentence because Caffery had been ill.