SUPREME COURT.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 33, 8 July 1874, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL SITTINGS. This Day. His Honor took his scat at 10 a.m, TRUE BILL. The Grand Jury returned a true Bill in the case of Regina v William Pollock unlawfully, wounding. The Grand Jury after having stated their concurrence in the views expressed by his Honor as to the employment of persons confined in the Asylnm for inebriates were discharged from further attendance. LARCENY. Richard Woods alias Doherty, was indicted for having stolen a purse containing a sum of money the property of one William Faulkner, The prisoner pleaded, “Not Guilty.” Mr Duncan appeared to prosecute, and Mr Hawkins defended the prisoner. Mr David Graham was chosen foreman of the petty jury. The prosecutor William Faulkner was stopping at Mrs Beverley’s hotel, Lyttelton, on the 30th May, then having in his possession a purse containing £7. He went in and laid down on the sofa ; the landlady saw the prisoner close to the prosecutor and shortly afterwards he went away, when the prosecutor discovered that his purse was missing. Previously the prisoner was short of money, but afterwards he was spending money freely. Mr Hawkins having addressed the jury for the defence. Mr Duncan replied, and the jury after a lengthy retirement, returned a verdict of “Guilty.” His Honor sentenced the prisoner to two years imprisonment with hard labor, UNLAWFULLY WOUNDING AND DISFIGURING. Wm Pollock was indicted for having on the 4th July unlawfully and maliciously wounded one Henry Goulston Rowe, third officer of the ship Varuna, The prisoner pleaded “ Guilty.” The prosecutor gave evidence as to the previous character of the prisoner, stating that up to that time his disposition had been of a peaceable character. His Honor sentenced the prisoner to six mouths’ imprisonment with hard labor. INDECENT ASSAULT. Thos Oliver, alias Gray, was indicted for having on the 27th April last indecently assaulted one Susan Collins. The prisoner who was undefended pleaded “ Not Guilty.” Mr W. Brydon was chosen foreman of the petty jury. The facts of the case were briefly these: The prosecutrix on the date named was at a hotel at Papanui, waiting for a chance to ride home. The prisoner was also there, and told her that he would accompany her on her way home, and she ultimately consented to go with him. On the way the prisoner committed the offence laid in the indictment. After the case had been proceeded with a short time, the prosecutrix, who was the only witness for the Crown, failed from want of intellect or weakness in proving any indecent assault, although there could be no doubt of the guilt of the prisoner. His Honor directed the jury to return a verdict of acquital expressing his regret that the law should have been so frustrated. As it was, there was no alternative but to direct the discharge of the prisoner. The jury then, under direction of His Honor, returned a verdict of “ Not Guilty,” and the prisoner was discharged. SENTENCES. His Honor said he would pass sentence on the two youths Hammond and Henderson at II a.m. this day. The Court then adourned until 11 a.m. to-morrow.