MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 228, 21 June 1921, Page 9

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

PILLAGING CARGO WATERSIDER SENT TO PRISON Mr. P. K. Hunt, 8.M., heard tho police cases in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Thomas Patrick Murphy, a waterside worker (for whom Mr. A. B. Sierwright appeared), was charged with stealing, on June 14. a quantity of smoked fish, value 45.. tho property of the Union 8.8. Co, also with stealing, on April 27, throe pieces of Roslyn underwear, value 465, tho property of the Union Company. Murphy pleaded guilty teethe theft of fish, and not guilty on the second charge. Tho facts wore stated to be that Murphy was seen leaving the Manuka concealing something, and when stopped by Detective Tricklebank, the fish was found on him. The accused's house in Cambridge Terrace was subsequently searched, when tho Roslyn underwear was found. Ine accused said ho had purchased the poods from a shop in Manners Street, but the proprietor of this shop stated that such goods had not been in stock for the past, six months. It was further ascertained that the accused had been working in No. 4 hold of tho s.s. Kanna on April 27. when a case of Roelyn underwear was pilaged. It was shown in evidence that two of the three garments which formed the basis of the charge were not in the case pillaged on April 27 The Magistrate found tho accused guilty of Pillaging one of the articles, and sentenced him to 14 days’ imprisonment. On tho other charge he was convicted and discharged. „ Hugh Johnston (for whom Mr. H. Ju, Cornish appeared) pleaded guilty to tho theft of a rubber mat and a glass jar of sweets, value £l, the property of Maud A. Horton. The accused was seen by Detective Walsh Just before 19 pm. on Juno 16, in Ouba Street, endeavouring to conceal something under his coat. He was stopped and questioned, and the goods were found on him. Mr. Cornish said that tho accused had attended a wedding that day. and had imbibed rather freely. He was, at the time of the theft, under the influence of drink, and did not quite know what ho was doing. Johnston was fined 40a, and costs. , A plea of guilty was returned by Raymond M. J. Howard to a charge of having stolen a pair of boots of the value oi £3 155.. the property of James Jackson. On the application of Bub-Inspector Willis, who stated that it was probable that further charges would bo laid against accused. he was remanded to Friday. Michael O'Brien was remanded for a week on a charge of stealing a pair of boots, and two pairs of socks, and a belt, value 255. the property of James Ellison. Walter Richard Russell, who pleaded guilty to tho theft of an overcoat, value £6 15a., the property of Cyril JI. Allen, was remanded to Friday to enable a report to be obtained from the probation officer. The accused, who is only 19 years of age, arrived in Wellington in January last. When questioned about tho theft he said he had been cut of work and starving, and stole the coat to sell so that he could obtain food. • Claude Clarence Hawthorn, 17 years of age, was convicted and discharged for behaving in a disorderly pmnner while drunk. Ho was ordered to pay expenses, amounting to ICa. For dTHnkeoness Guy Cockburn was fined Wa, with the option of 48 hours' imprisonment. MAINTENANCE CASES. Alfred W. R. Astlo was ordered to epntribute 20s. per week towards the support of nls wife. , A separation order was granted against Alex. M'Pherson, who was ordered to pay £2 per week towards the maintenance of h B E. e Cooke was ordered to contribute 30a. per week towards the maintenance of his brother, who i» an inmate of an institution.