CITY POLICE COURT.

Evening Star, Issue 4022, 17 January 1876, Page 2

CITY POLICE COURT.

Monday, January 17. (Before V. Pyk© Psq., and J. Black, Esq., J.P.’b.) Drunkenness. —Joseph Cullen was fined ss; Henry Cqllistown, Joseph Busby, Kobert Harding, Thomas Nelson, and George Smith each lbs, in default three day’s imprisonment; George Davis 2(L, or seven days. Habitual Drunk—What < onst.tutes the Offence?— This point was argued to-day when Thomas Woods, who was fined l*oa for drunkenness, was also charged with habitual drunkenness. Prisoner took exception to the charge. Sometimes he had a glass or two and was unfortunately “run in,” but he was not jn a continual state of muddle.—Three convictions recorded against the defendant during the past twelvemonths were banned in. —The Bench thought the phrase “ habitual drunkenness ” was intended to mean that the offender was always the worseofliqoratleastthat he frequently drunk.—lnspector Mallard admitted that there was an ambiguity attached to the term. Ho quite agreed with theyiewheld by the Bench, and thought it the proper way to look at the matter. He was glad that the view taken by the Bench bad been expressed. —As it appeared, that although Woods had been drunk three times during the year, but as he was not “an habitual,” taking the view just held by the Court he. was discharged, Mr Fyke saying that in his opinion the general character of the offender should determine whether he was guilty of the offence, and not the fact of the number of previous conv'etions. Vagrancy. —Anne Johnston, described by Sergeant Anderson as a prostitute of the lowest class, was charged with vagianoy and with drunkenness. For the minor offence she was sent to gaol for three days, and for the greater to three months’ imprisonment. The Bench strongly urged her to “ clear out ” at the expiry of her sentence.

MEALING from the Person.— Thomas Jardine was charged with stealing a cornelian watch-key from one John Turner,—Prosecutor stated that when in company with accused recently at the London Tavern, Walker street, he missed aLS not.'. His suspicions were aroused, and on seatching accused he found the key produced, which was his property.—Prisoner stated that the key was given to him, and added that although he had pleaded guilty to a charge of vagrancy he had been honestly employed since his arrival giu the Colony. Sergeant Anderson could testify to that. —The Bench called on the sergeant, who, to accused’s surprise gave him a pretty rough hand ing. He said that accused never did any work, and was in the habit of visiting brothels. He was sent to gaol for a month ou each charge, the sentences to be cumulative.

Wife Desertion.—John Liston, gas-fitter, charged with deserting his wife, was fined 5s and costs, and ordered to pay 15s a week towards the maintenance of his wife and four children till he provided them with a home.