SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

Ashburton Guardian, 8 April 1880, Page 2

SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

[by telegraph.] Christchurch, April 6. Peter Martin, for indecently assaulting a child, was found guilty. His Honor, after remarking in the severest manner on the nature of the offence of which the prisoner had been convicted, sentenced him to five months’ imprisonment and to be twice whipped, the first whipping of 25 lashes to be inflicted a fortnight from date, the second 25 lashes one month from the first, pointing out that there was a laxity in parents allowing their children to go at large without some person to look after them.

Bernard ISTeary, for a theft of jewellery from a sleeping man’s pocket, at the Railway Hotel, Amberly, «n the 10th of January, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonmment, with hard labor. W. H. Hudson, for the theft of a revolver from a house in Worcester street, Christchurch, on February 24th, was found guilty, and, being a confirmed thief, was sent to penal servitude for ten years. Barringer, a bank clerk, committed for trial for embezzlement, came up for trial this morning. It was found, after argument, that his case must be heard next, and not this session, but the Judge notified that bail could be applied for. Wellington, April 6. At the Supreme Court this morning, Frank' Hooke, for false pretences, -was sentenced to nine months ; James Harris, larceny, two years. Alexander M‘ Gregor, forgery eighteen month. The charge against John Thompson, for stealing a cash box and L3O ended in a sentence of twelve months. Wellington, April 7. The Supreme Court was occupied all day hearing the charge of rape against Longhurst, which is not likely to conclude till midnight. George Yackerstaff, who stole a letter from the post office at Carterton', was discharged on his own recognisances, to come up for judgment when called upon. The charge of rape against George Longhurst is now proceeding. Prisoner’s counsel applied for leave to the jury to visit the shed in which it was alleged the offence had been committed. The Judge refused, as it would be exceedingly inconvenient for himself and counsel to visit the spot, and there would be difficulty in preventing communication with the jury. However, if later on he found the prisoner would suffer by their not visiting the shed, he would allow the application. Auckland, April 7.

At the criminal sessions, Walter Ratcliffe, obtaining a marriage certificate from the Registrar under false declaration, was acquitted. Five true bills were returned against J. C. Young for larceny of public money.