POLICE COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 75, 3 April 1901, Page 1

POLICE COURT.

YESTERDAY. (Before Mr W. A. Barton, S.M.) DRUNKENNESS. A first offender was convicted, and discharged. ATTEMPT TO WOUND. A middle-aged man named Charles Maloney was summoned on a chargo of attempting to wound William Gault, licensee of the Argyll Hotel. From the ovidence of the latter, it appeared that the defendant was in the habit of staying for a time at the Argyll Hotel. On the morning of March 27th, defendant asked for the loan of £l, which witness refused. He did not take the refusal kindly, and said, “ You won’t give mo a pound ?” Witness replied in tho negative, and defendant then walked towards the front door, and came back again, witness then passing into the bar. Accused repeated his request, which was again refused, witness saying that lie did not want to lend him money, as he did not want him to get auy more drink. Accused then became wild, and twice struck at witness over the slide, but he managed to keep clear of tho blows. Accused afterwards drew a knife and a sheath apparently from behind, and remarked that he would strike witness. He was sure that the knifo was in the sheath, as he did not see the blade. Sergeant Siddels said that if witness was clear on the point that the knife was not drawn, he would ask leave to withdraw the charge. At tho time of laying tho information he was advised that the knife was drawn. He would charge the man with common assault. Permission was given to withdraw the case. To further charges of riotous behaviour, mischievous damage to property, and assaulting the police, accused pleaded guilty. On the first charge a fine of £~> and costs was imposed, in default 14 days’ imprisonment with hard labor in Napier Gaol; on the second a fine of HI was inflicted, costs 2s, and an order made for payment of 15s, the value of the damage done, in default four days’ imprisonment with hard labor in Napier ; for assaulting the constable he was fined £lO, costs 2s, in default two months’ imprisonment in Napier with hard labor, the sentences to be cumulative. The fines were paid.