"NOT GUILTY"

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2221, 6 August 1914, Page 7

"NOT GUILTY"

6 —— . COMICAL INCIDENT IN COUET\ A middle-aged-man "of rather disreputable appearance was very cmphatic in his denial of tiie charge of drunkenness levelled against him in tho Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, the charge was read, to him, and with scornful .eye, and shoulders ostentatiously ,braced, he formally replied "Not guilty" to tho charge. A constable weiit into the box,- and mado statements that entirely disagreed with this. "Have you any questions to ask?" said the Magistrate, "Not guilty" was the firmer response of-the accused, given in such a manner- that, from the speaker's point of view, set all doubts at rest "This is accused's fourth conviction," in- i terposed tho police. - Still came the same ■ respo'nse, "Not guilty." ' "You could be declared an ■ habitual drunkard," said the. Magistrate. 1 This was adding insult to injury, and the disreputable one scornfully stepped out of the bos, unable to-bear any more. Tho strong arm of The orderly, however, cut short his exit from the Court, but only , for 1 a few moments, yet That, few moments carried with them a £2 fine. The' disdainful look was only intensified, however, as, with a final "Not guilty," the injured one proudly stepped from the dock. ,