MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 567, 12 April 1876, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, April 12. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.I Drunk and Disorderly.—John Shields and George Tibbs, charged with this offence, were each fined—the former ss, and the latter 20s. The Charge of Assaulting a Bailiff. — Mr Thomas informed the Bench that notwithstanding the very strong statement which the prosecutor Turnbull had made in this case, he had now come to the conclusion, and was perfectly satisfied in his own mind that he had made a mistake in swearing that it was Gardner who assaulted him. He now felt certain that it was the man Armstrong. He therefore wished the case to be withdrawn. He (Mr Thomas) would therefore ask the Court if it would not direct further proceedings, to allow and fix the costs. His Worship—l don't see how it can go any further. He was evidently mistaken. The neighbours say it was a very dark night. Mr Thomas —He not only swore to the defendant, your Worship, but he also swore that he was not at a certain house that night, when it was distinctly sworn by several witnesses that he was. His Worship said he should decline to order further proceedings to be taken. Mr Thomas said that if,it had not fortunately happened the defendant had several witnesses to support his statement by an alibi, there was no doubt he would have been sent to prison for a month. This would probably have been the case had he been at home with his wife, as he might have been if he had a wife. The Court then ordered the customary costs, including solicitors' fee.

Charge of Horse Stealing.—Albert Ehode was brought up on remand, charged with stealing a horse, the property of J. Stevenson. Inspector Feast applied for a short adjournment, as the prisoner was a Prussian, and required an interpreter. A short adjournment was accordingly granted.