CHARGES DISMISSED

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 149, 19 March 1921, Page 9

CHARGES DISMISSED

LIQUOR SALE AFTER HOURS ALLEGED. A charge of supplying a bottle of gin to a prohibited person after the specified hours was preferred against Michael M'lnroe in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. M'lnroe, for whom Mr. H. F. O’Leary appeared, is the proprietor of the Thistle Inn.

Sub-Inspector Willis stated that one Longhurst, a prohibited person, was seen coming out of the accused’s hotel at 6.15 p.m, on the day on. which the offence was alleged to have occurred, with a bottle of gin in his pocket. When accosted by a constable Longhurst had given a false name, and had said ho was carrying a bottle of beer. A sergeant of police had interviewed M'lnroe, who had denied having served Longhurst. Giving evidence. Longhurst said he remembered having bought the bottle of gin from M'lnroe. He denied, under cross, examination, by Mr. O’Leary, having visited any other hotels during the afternoon in question. He admitted having been prohibited, and also admitted having given, a wrong name when accosted by the police. Mr. O’Leary: This man, who has admitted lying,' cannot give reliable evidence. Evidence was given by the licensee, who denied having sold the liquor; nnd by his barman, who saw Longhurst outside the hotel. ~ "You have the benefit of the doubt, said the Magistrate. "The charge will be dismissed.” The 'time licensee was further- charged with selling liquor to a Maori, who was already under the influence of liquor. Sub-Inspector Willis conducted the case for the Crown, and Mr. O’Leary appeared for the defendant. The Maori gave evidence as to having been drunk, and police evidence was given to the same effect The accused denied the charge, and Mr. O’Leary called evidence in support of this. The charge was dismissed.