MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2022, 6 March 1907, Page 1

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

A THEFT CASE. (Before Mr Barton, S.M.) Charles Yates and Edward Henry Dennett, alias Topping, were charged with stealing the sum of £3, tho property of Florence Watson, on Ist March, and Mr Stock appeared for accused Dennett, and Mr Cole'man for accused Yates. Both pleaded not guilty. Elizabeth Susan Hyde said that on Friday, Ist inst., she went with F. Watson to Yates’ house for some curtains. Florence Watson went in and asked witness to help her with the curtains. Yates was in the kitchen, and declined to deliver the curtains till some silk of his was returned. Yates and Dennett and F. Watson were also in the room. Yates iked for the silk, and told her to got it. As she went she left her purse containing three pound notes. When she returned the purse was missing, and Yates was standing by the cupboard and Dennett was near him. She asked Yates for it, and he pointed to a couch where she saw tho purse and also found that tho money "was gone. Witness accused Yates of stealing it, and he denied it. Florence AVatson then returned to the kitchen, and also accused Yates of having the money He said Dennett had it and Dennett said Yates had it. Dennett went to the Turanganui Hotel. F. Watson followed him, and ten minutes later both returned. She threatened to send for tho police if they did not give the money up. Each denied having it. Dennett produced a pound from his pocket, and Yates said he also had a pound They offered to give her the £2 then and £1 that night. She declined this. By Mr Coleman : Yates did not offer her the pound as wages. AVitness was sure the money was in tho purse when it was put on the cupboard. Florence AVatson, domestic servant, supported the evidence of the previous witness.

By Mr Stock: Sho denied being destitute. A gentleman lent her tho monoy tho night before. Mrs Hyde was present.

By Mr Coleman: She was quito sure that the money was in the purse when she paid for a dinner. AA 7 itness denied sleeping out any nights, or asking accused for money.

Constable O’Hara said ho went to Yates’ house on Friday, Ist inst. Florence AA r atson told him that Dennett had stolen £3 from her purse. Dennett said he looked, but there was nothing in it. She accused the two men of attempting to bribe her to keep quiet. He arrested the accused. made a statement that Dennett said he had it, and .that he (A r ates) would get his share. Dennett and Mrs Hyde then left the house. Florence AVatson said, “Don’t let her go, sho has my £3.” . Mrs Hyde returned and said that she had lost £3. Florence AVatson then went to look for Dennett, and she returned with him.. Dennett was then accused of stealing the £3 from the purse. Constablo Irwin gave similar evidence.

For the defence Mr Stock pointed out the discrepancy ip the evidence in many Important particulars.

Mr Coleman said there was considerable doubt that the money was in the purse when it was placed on the cupboard. The Magistrate said that there was a discrepancy in the evidence, but lie was perfectly satisfied that the money was in the purse, and it was stolen by the two accused, who participated. Dennett would be sentenced to six months’ and Yates to three months’ hard labor in Napier gaol.