DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 3224, 27 May 1924, Page 4

DRUNK AND DISORDERLY

KIRKWOOD STREET DISTURBANCE RESPECTABLE CITIZENS FINED Two young men, well-known residents of the district, were before the local Polieo Court, presided over by Messrs C. H. Priestley and A. B. Hodg‘son, J’s.P., yesterday morning, when they were charged with drunk and disorderly behaviour in Kirkwood Street; on Saturday evening. The evidence showed that in response to several telephone messages and information that some men were creating a disturbance near Bell’s stables, the police proceeded to Knrkwood Street, when they found that the conduct ot-/ the men concerned was of such a nature ' that had caused considerable alarm to nearby residents. ‘‘The language said to have been used was of a vile nature,’' said Constable Cleary.

Of the three men concerned it was found only two were directly interested in the disturbance, the third party having interfered with a view- to peace-

making. The police arrested two young men, one of whom was very drunk, while the other, although not drunk, was under the influence of liquor. This accused giving evidence stated he had endeavoured t ohelp the other accused who had resented his interference, had used obseent language, and warned to fight him. Mr D. J .Lundon appeared as counsel for the other accused, -who pleaded guilty. Mr Lundon asked that .leniency be shown accused as this was a first offence. Counsel asked for the suppression of accused’s name. The first accused was convicted and fined 10/ with Courts costs 7/, while the second was mulcted in- a fine of £3 and costs 10/.

The Bench consented to the suppression of the accused’s name from publication, but stated that suppression in this case was riot in the nature of a precedent. Publication of names was part of the penalty of a crime, and acted as a deterrent to further criminality. The Bench took into consideration the previous respectability of both accused, and their parents and their lengthy citizenship.