PRISONERS SENTENCED

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14242, 17 December 1919, Page 9

PRISONERS SENTENCED

ASSAULT ON A WIFE. A COALMAN’S THEFT. In the case in which Ernest Beehre (on a second count) was charged at the Hamilton Supreme Court, Hamilton, with the thett of £9 4s 6d from the house of Mrs Duffoll, of Jb’rankton, the defence put forward by prisoner was that he visited the house for immoral purposes. The jury, in returning a verdict of guilty, added a rider deprecating the defence put forward, and expressing the opinion that Mrs Hufl'eil was of an upright and moral character. i'n pleading for leniency Mr J. I’. McMullin (for prisoner) said Beelirc had already spent three months in gaol, while he had a sick wife and three young children. It was unfortunate that prisoner’s record was not a very good one—(His Honor: It is a very bad one) —and he asked that prisoner be allowed to return to his wife and family. His Honor said he did not feel disposed at the present time to declare prisoner an habitual criminal, and would sentence him to three years’ reformative treatment. His Honor warned prisoner that if he was found guilty of any further offence, before His Honor, he would be declared an habitual criminal.

Timothy Patrick Evan, for whom Mr S. Lewis appeared, and who had been .found guilty of causing actual bodilyharm to his wife, came up for sentence.

Pfis Honor said that in view of the peculiar circumstances he was taking an unusual course. Accused had committed a serious offence, but the jury had acquitted him of any intent. His Honor said he understood that since the incident the parties had been living together happily, and at his suggestion both husband and wife had agreed to lake out prohibition orders. He believed they would continue to live happily together so long as they did not touch liquor, and in these circumstances accused would be ordered to come up for sentence when called upon.

Addressing the wife, His Honor said he understood she had several children, and he hoped for their sake that she would keep away from drink. He also hoped this case would be the salvation of herself, as well as of Ibr husband.