MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 127, 22 February 1921, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

t POLICE AND MAINTENANCE CASES

Str. I’. K. Hunt, S.M., dealt with the police and maintenance cases in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. Fred Ernest Quayle, for whom Mr. J. S. Hanna appeared, pleaded guilty to unlawfully converting to his own use a motor-car, valued at 4:502 10s., the property of Jenkins and Shaw. The car 'was being driven by Mr. Jenkins, who had occasion to stop at the Balmoral Hotel, and while he was away for about five minutes the car disappeared. It was subsequently seen by the owner outside the Y.M.C.A., and he informed the constable on point duty at the intersection of Willis and Manners Streets. Just then the accused was seen to enter the car and drive down M illis Street. He was hailed by the constable, and immediately stopped tire vehicle jumped out, and bolted. He was, however, caught and detained. Sub-Inspector Willis said that two years ago accused was concerned in a similar offence in association with others. A witness was called to testify to the previous good character of the accused. It was stated that he went away with the Fifth Contingent, and had suffered in health. He was also the conductor on the tramcar that was wrecked in Pine Street some time ago. Mr. Hanna suggested that in view of all the circumstances, a fine, together with a prohibition order, would meet the case. The Magistrate adopted the suggestion, but warned Quayle that if he came before the Court again on a similar charge he would get the limit allowed by the Act. William Gordon was charged witf.i committing an aggravated assault on a girl 31 years of age. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr. A. B. Sievwright. Senior-Sergeant Lopdell said that the accused was eccentric, and apparently soft in the head. It was admitted that the child had not been interfered with in any way., Gordon had a bad record, and in view ’of this the Magistrate said he was certainly a menace to the community, and was not fit. to be at large. Gordon was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. For drunkenness William M Cartlrv and Frederick Unwin were each fined 10s., with the option of 48 hour's’ imprisonment. MAINTENANCE CASES. Charles O'Shea, who allowed maintenance payments in respect of his wife to fall into arrear to the amount of tls., was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended so long as he pays .£2 per week. Alfred Phillips, whose arrears totalled ,£l2 125., was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended so long as he pays .£1 per week.