AN ORATOR IN COURT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2301, 7 November 1914, Page 11

AN ORATOR IN COURT

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS AGAINST JOHN DOWDALL. . John Dowdalf, of some local notorietystrolled into the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, leant against the of the dock, and listened to the following, charge which was read to him:—'TJsing threatening or insulting words or behaviour ih Ghuznee Street on October 12, with'intent to provoke a breach of the peace. , ' "What rate?" queried accused nonchalantly. "October 12," replied the clerk of the court. , v • "Not guilty; well," replied Dowdall, "I can prove an alibi as to that date." It was only a clerical error, however, and eventually the case was ordered to temporarily "stand over." About • midday his case again came before the Court, and then he appeared uncertain as to his plea. Ho asked for the charge to be read over again, and then buret into a lengthy explanation, punctuated with appropriate gesticulations, until Inspector Hendrey made some rather serious allegations ugain6t him in respect to the charge. ""It was due to an honest mistake," began John Dowdall, and he proceeded to address the Court as to how he had got drunk in the Foresters' Arms Hotel;'how later he had seen, an acquaintance, an employee of the Labour Department. . "At the time I-did not know ho was a cripple, end I thought he was drunk' and wobbling about the street. "I admit I committed an offence for which I am sorry, and I will apologise irrespective of the penalty." Then. Inspector Hendrey got' up and explained ,that he had been instructed to take action by the Labour Department, as the offence was a "wanton and unprovoked one," and that for half an hour defendant had fol- ■ lowed M'Ewan, who was perfectly sober, • using threatening behaviour, and gross- ! ly insulting him all the time. "When a/gontlemau went to with accused on his behaviour," continued the Inspector, "Dowdall said: 'If you don't ' get out of it I'll smash your , face.' The police were sent for, and frightened by the advent of 60jneono I who was not a cripple, Dowdall I cleared." [ Inspector Hendrey. added that_ the police were going to ask for sureties of 1 the peace as there was no guarantee ' that Dowdall might not uso violenco 1 against M'Ewan and perhaps take advantage of him when nobody was there ! to 'protect'him. On hearing this statement, defend- ' ant, who was very indignant, remarked, "I did not think Ini spector Hendrey would make such a ; statement to the Court, and I intend ' to ask for an adjournment. My character has been impugned." Dowdall proceeded to explain how well he was known in the City. ■ "I will'grant you an adjournment to Novcmbor 13," said the Magistrate at I the conclusion of tlio harangue. ■ "Very well," said defendant, I will i bring witnesses to prove my character. i • i •