USED THREATS TO MEN IN STREET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19238, 27 November 1930, Page 6

USED THREATS TO MEN IN STREET.

MAGISTRATE ADMITS SHARP TO PROBATION. After being remanded a number of times, William Robert Sharp, a labourer, aged 30 years, was finally dealt with by Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court. Sharp was originally charged on two c<^xnts —on November 20 with menace, demanding from George Weir money with intent to steal it, and (2) a similar charge in respect to John Gibbs. The Magistrate reduced the charges to threatening behaviour and admitted Sharp to probation for 12 months. “I am not inclined to send this man up for trial,” said Mr Mosley. “I am going to alter- the offences to threatening behaviour and the charges are amended accordingly. This man on the occasion of the offences was under the influence of liquor. We have had him examined by a medical officer and the report is that he is childish in his demeanour. He does not realise the seriousness of the offence with which he is charged.” The amended charges were read to Sharp, who again pleaded not guilty. “The evidence „ here has satisfied me that you are guilty,” said the Magistrate. Mr Lascelles, who was waiting in the Court, had a conference with accused, who later Said he would plead guilty. “I had a few drinks in,” he added. The Magistrate: He is a border-line case. The trouble with you Sharp is that with a few drinks you lose what little balance you have. What work have you been doing? / “I have been on pick and shovel work on the West Coast. The job closed down and I was going to take on shearing.” “Could you do anythii%g for this man?” the Magistrate asked Major Barnes, of the Salvation Army.—“We are very crowded. We had close on 160 at the home -the other night, but we can fix him up all right.” “Major Barnes has consented to take you to the Salvation Army Home for a few days,” said the Magistrate to Sharp. “It is, however, only on condition that you refrain from intoxicating liquor. Qs you understand?-I “Yes.” “If you do you will be in trouble again.”—“l don’t take much, sir.” “You are not to take afly at all. You will be convicted and admitted to probation for a term of 12 months. . I make it a condition that 3*ou refrain from intoxicating liquor in that period. Pull yourself together and don’t be a fool.”