SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 114, 23 May 1901, Page 3

SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

[by TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchurch, last night.

The resumption of the criminal sessions was adjourned till to-morrow, owing to the indisposition of Judge Denniston.] Auckland, last night.

Tho evidence against Aubury was very clear. Ho was caught in tho act of forcing a woman, by a constable who heard her screaming. The Judge referred to the Grand Jury’s presentment regarding assaults on women, and said he agreed with their remarks. Sentence must be severe for such a bad offence. Assaults on women and children were becoming too common, and must be put an end to. The sentence would be ten years’ hard labor, and two floggings of 25 lashes each. Prisoner, on hearing the sentence, became very excited, and viciously shook his fist at the Judge, exclaiming with much bad language, “ You’ll never see me flogged.” Ho shouted abuse at the Judge, making loud threats, and swearing. He was taken to the cells by the warders, with whom ho struggled savagely. Henry Johnston, ex-manager of the Kauri Timber Company, pleaded guilty to charges of obtaining money with intent to dofraud. Sentence was deferred.

Hugh Madden, 60 years of age, pleaded guilty to carnally knowing and indecent assault on a girl five years of age, and was sentenced to ten years’ hard labor. He was spared a flogging, owiug to his age. Abram Osman, a Turk, was charged that, being a prohibited immigrant, ho did unlawfully land in the colony at Aratapu. The information was laid under the Immigration Restriction Act, 1899, this being the first case in Auokland under that Act. The evidence showed that accused landed from the ship Elmville at Aratapu. The information was laid by the Collector of Customs, and Mr Shera, for that officer, asked the Court to remand accused into custody till his ship returned a month honce, when he could be put aboard again. He was remanded accordingly.