SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 118, 29 May 1901, Page 2

SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

[BI TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Napier, last night. James McGregor was found guilty at the Supreme Court of indecent assault, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. At the Supreme Court to-day the jury disagreed in the eases against John MeClusker, charged with assault with intent upon a girl named Horne, under 16 years of ago ; a second count of indecent assault upon the same girl, and a further charge of common assault on a married woman named Hay. The offences are alleged to have taken place at Hastings on the 16th March. A new trial will take place at the conclusion of the present calendar.

Thomas Watts pleaded guilty to an indecent assault upon a young woman named Matthews at Kaikora on the 27th February, and was remanded for the report of the Probation Officer. Christchurch, last night.

The criminal sessions coutinucd, before Judge Cooper. James Ferguson, found guilty on the previous day of attempting to criminally assault a girl under 16, was sentenced to throe years’ imprisonment, Judge Cooper remarking that such offences were becoming far too common, owing, probably, to lenient sentences. Walter Narbey, for sheep-stealing, was found guilty, and sentence was deferred. Philip Kissel], for attempted rape, was found guilty, and a sentence of ten years was passed. The defence was insanity, but the evidence was not sufficient to prove insanity under the Act. The Judge said accused would be sent to gaol, where probably, after a period of prison confinement, ho - would be sent to an asylum for the rest of his life, as his being at large would be a danger to a community, Dunedin, last night. At the Supreme Court, in the case of John McCormack, charged with incest and assault at Hampden, the jury were unable to agree, and wer6 discharged. Accused will bo tried again this session. Castor Courtney, charged with assault and robbery at Oamaru, was acquitted. Reginald Edwards was found guilty of criminal assault on a child 11 years of age, With the verdict, there was a recommendation „to merey_ou account of weak intellect. His Honor said that, on account of the jury’s recommendation, he would not order a flogging, but imposed a sentence of four years.