MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7893, 5 November 1904, Page 5

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

MASTERTON-t-SATURDAY.

(Before Mr W. P. James, S.M.) CHARGE OF THEFT AND OBSCENE LANGUAGE.

A young man named Charles Minchinton was charged on two informations with stealing a bottle of whisky, valued at 6a 6d, the property of James Cress, licensee of the Empire Hotel, and with using obscene language in a public place. Sergeant O'Malley "prosecuted. Accused pleaded guilty to stealing the whisky, but denied using the obscene language.

James Cress, licensee of the Empire Hotel, was called, and stated that he was standing under the verandah of the hotel about eight o'clock last evening, when accused came up to him and asked if he would let him have a drink on credit. Witness refused, and accused then made use of the language complained of. Shortly after witness went inside the hotel, and saw accused trying to get a bottle of whisky from the barmaid on credit. Ho had the bottle in his hand, but the barmaid took it from him, and at the same time asked witness if she should let accused have the liquor. Subsequently accused snatched the bottle of whisky up and ran away with it. Witness followed him, but was unable to recover the stolen property.

Robert Buekeridge gave corroborative evidence as to the language used by accused.

Accused did not desire to give evidence, but made a statement that he had no recollection of using the language complained of. He attributed his action to the influence of liquor.

Mr James imposed a sentence of one month's imprisonment, with hard labour, on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently.