CHRISTCHURCH SESSIONS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1595, 12 November 1912, Page 9

CHRISTCHURCH SESSIONS.

. CASE OP DR. RUSSELL.. IBj TeleeraDh.-l'rosß A6Bociatlo»J . '• Christchurch,'November 11. The criminal sessions of the Supremo. Court opened .to-day before Mr. Justice Benniston, who, in addressing the Grand Jury, said there were oil the list twenty charges against'fifteen individuals, some of them of a serious character. There was the usual large number, of cases Which formed part of the criminal list throughout the -Dominion—cases in connection with young women. There were also ten prisoners sent up by tho Court, below for sentence, who, had it not been for a change in the Act, would not have appeared before the Supreme Court. . Referring to the charge of attempted abortion against Dr. Chas. James Russell, his Honour, after sketching.tho evidence of the young woman, given' in tho Court below, said that there was no doubt that if the jury bolieved tho girl's evidence, an offence was committed. One of tho parlies' concerned in the matter was not there, but the young woman was there and also another 'important witness. His Honour pointed out that it was. not the function of the Grand Jury to try the case, but to satisfy themselves that there was sufficient prima facie evidence to go .before tho petty jury. The law always looked upon the destroying of potential life as a most serious offence. The accused in this case was a well-known man and no doubt there had. been much talk about tho matter. There was no doubt, on the evidence that there was a clear prima facio c»9e to go to the'common jury. Ho felt convinced that it was not necessary for him to point out to the Grand Jury that under their oath they must do their duty and put all other considerations aside. Subsequently tho Grand Jury brought in a trim bill against Russell. Several prisoners were sentenced. Edward Michael Wood, a Burnham escapee, was ordered to bo detained in gaol for reformative purposes. Robert Dickson

Wardon and Leslio Etiiiesford Sconllar wero ordoreil to be sent back to Bin'nliam, as was also Wm, Duncan, alias Eriwala. Helen Shepherd Copland, on a chnrgo of theft from a dwelling, was ordered to come up for senlenco when Called upon, and further to pay £if 3s. towards the cost of proceedings. AVm. M'Cnbe was sentenced to fivo years' imprisonment for carnally knowing his nieeo. Alexander Kennedy, 16 years, on a charge of breaking and entering was ordered to come up for sentence when called upon. Mtui* rico Paul Nottingham, on a charge of forgery, was similarly dealt with, and ordered to refund ,£2, together with £3 and costs. Leslie Layton Smith, on several charges of failing to account for money, was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment concurrently. George Roche, who pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment... • J - DUNEDIN CRIMINAL SESSION'S, (By Tolegraph.—l'ress A6fiociati'on.) Dunedln, November 11. . At the Supremo Cottrt to-ttny William James Gadsby pleaded guilty to stealing a keg of ale at Kaftaiigiitn.. Prisoner was fined ,£lO and detained; until "fine was paid, the term of imprisonment not to exceed three mouths. - _ James Stephens was,charged witli breaking and entering and ' stealing a tri'of castor oil at Nasebr.. Accused pleaded in defence that ho'had left (in intimation oil a piece ,of. wood that ho had token tne' oil. He was acquitted. . A lad, 17 years :of age, named Thomas Collins, was charged with indecently assaulting a' girl-12 years of age. The alleged assault.was not an .aggravated b'no, and the jury acquitted the accused after a quarter or an hour's retirement. A young' man named John James Whito was charged with robbing a woman, of a handbag and 55., and with using personal violence.;. A charge of. indecent assault was thrown out by the Grand Jury ; - At the end of a quarter ,of an hour's' deliberation the jury found accused guilty, but recommended him to merey, as,the offence was committed under the influence of> drink.' Sentence'was deferred. ■ • "■■