RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Evening Star, Issue 3682, 10 December 1874, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Thursday, December 10. (Before J. Bathgate, Esq., R.M.) Obscene Language.— John Gunford, for using obscene language within the hearing of persons passing in Cambray place, was lined 20s and costs ; in default three days’ imprisonment, with hard labor.—Mr E Cook defended. Theft —A charge against Isabella Lyle, of stealing from the person of Edwin Goiidy, on December 1, a silver watch, of the value of L 4 10s. was r manded for a week. A n Irregularity. —Hia Worship said he wished to make some remarks in connection with a case heard a few days ago, and in which Mr E < ook, who was present in Court, appeared for defendant. His Wor ship said: In the case of Crawford v, Muir, I have received a letter from defendant. This irregularity must not be followed as a precedent. lam always willing to have at the time the fullest statement of the person accused in reference to the charge, but of course I ought not to be troubled with letters written afterwards. With these remarks I will refer to ihe letter for a few moments. Defendant gives a statement of what occurred, and his statement confirms my impression that an assault took place. It, however,'avers that it was committed by another person without his (defendant’s) knmvledge at the time. The explanation should have been rendered at the time, and not by letter afterwards. At first I had no moral doubt on the evidence that defendant was guilty of the assault, but I am willing to accept of his statement and now to believe that be was not the actual gudty party, whoever it was, that struck the blow. At the same time he and all others must keep in mind that any person who by his presence or conduct afterwards aids and abets the offender may find himself involved although as a participator, in the offence. It was the duty of the defendant to render every assistance to the party assaulted, but he failed to do so. With these remarks, I pass over the irregularities —Mr Cook said that he was not aware that the letter was written ; it would not have received hia sanction.—His Worship said that prosecutor should have placed both (defendant and his companion) in »h- box.