MAGISTERIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2201, 3 October 1907, Page 1

MAGISTERIAL.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2. I (Beforo Messrs. G. Mh-tthowson and J. W. Bright J’s P.) I Alleged Theft.—Thos. Baird was I charged with tho theft of a pound I note, the property of Thos. Sheehan. I —Mr. G. Stock appeared for accused, who pleaded not guilty, Sergeant I Williams conducted the proseefition. Alice Sheolian, aged 11, stated- that she was sent an errand yesterday I morning and received a £1 note from I her mother to make a purchases at I O’Meara’s store. She had only just I passed accused, who was sitting on I Messrs Williams and Kettle’s stops in Custom House street, when she I dropped the pound, which she had I been carrying in her left hand. TurnI ing to pick it up accused took up I the note and put it in his pocket. I The pound was lying on the ground, and before she turned accused had I picked it up. She asked accused j for it, and he swore, at her, saying I he hadn’t got it. . She then asked a I Mr. Schofield for it, and he said it would be best to go to the police. —Thos. Phillip Schofield deposed that he met Alice Sheehan in front of Messrs.-Williams and Kettle’s store in Custom House street. She told him that she had lost a pound note, and blamed the accused for taking it. Witness 'advised' her to inform tlio police.—Sergeant : Williams stated that at tho station accused said if there was going to be any trouble lie would mako amends and give a £1 back. Witness asked, “What £1; the one ■ you stole from the little girl?” Accused replied. “No; I liavo money, and don’t want to get into any trouble or be locked up.”—Thos. Baird, accused, deposed that he was in .Custom House' street at about noon yesterday sitting on the steps of Messrs; Williams and Kettle’s wool stove. When the girl said she hat lost the £l, witness helped her to look for it in the gutter. A lady then came ‘ along and the girl said to her, “I have lost .a £1 and that man took it.” Witness had a half sovereign and a few.shillings in his pocket. Ho said ho would give the child £1 sooner than see her get' into trouble. Witness had ainplo means and no one to support. Ho ■had about £3OO and horses worth ■ £loo.—The Boncli, who intimated • that they had much difficulty in-ar-riving at a decision, convicted accused and fined him £l, costs 6s, anc\ also ordered him to refund tho £L to the rightful ownei. -