MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 881, 21 April 1877, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH

Saturday, April 21. (Before G. L. Mellish, Esq, E.M., and G. L. Lee, and W. H. Pilliett, Esqrs. J.P. s.) Breaking into a Dwelling. Peter Christie was brought up on remand charged with breaking into J. Jewell’s house in Merivale lane, and stealing £lO therefrom. Accused when arrested had eight £1 Union Bank of Australia notes on him and 13s 6d in silver. He said he had slept at the Central the previous night, and in the tussocks the night before, as he had no money. When charged with the offence he said the law could not compel him to say where he got the money found on him. The window of the house, when examined by Detective Walker, bore marks of having been prized up and on the ground in front of the window there were a number of footprints made with hobnailed boots. From the evidence it appeared that accused had been living at the place for a few days, and having got on the spree, was told to leave. He did so, and on the evening of the 17th instant, when prosecutor and a friend returned home, they found the window had been forced open and the money taken. Next morning Ibis friend of the prosecutor’s met accused near the Bank of New Zealand, and asked him to go up the street with him, as he wished to introduce him to a person about a job. Accused went along the street for a short distance, and then refused to go any further, and turned back, as he began to think that the person being looked for was only a policeman. Witness told accused he would follow him wherever he went; and he (accused) knowing that witness is a “strong Good Templar,” turned into the Al hotel and asked him to have a drink. Accused then came out of the hotel, and witness seeing a policeman, “introduced him to the prisoner,” and for the first time charged him with having broken into the house. When accused was taking up his swag at the time he was told to go away from the house. Witness saw a pair of boots in it shod with heavy nails. The notes stolen were £1 Union Bank notes. Accused had told prosecutor and his friend that he had no money. A neighbor named Mrs Hinds stated that she had seen accused going towards the house on the day it was broken open. Accused reserved his defence, and was fully committed to take his trial al the criminal session of the Supreme Court. The Late Case of Assault—Robinson T. Redwood. —Mr Garrick, for the Hon. W. Robinson, desired to mention to his Worship that the malicious character of the injury received by his client had been withdrawn, and an ample apology made by Mr Redwood. As the grvameu of the malicieus portion of the offence —under which the information had been laid, with a view to a committal at the Supreme Court —had been removed, he woidd ask the permission of the Bench to withdraw the information. The Bench consented to this being done. Mr Thomas, who appeared for Mr Redwood, asked that the minor charge of committing a breach of the peace in view of a constable might also be withdrawn, or a nominal penalty imposed. The Bench decided first to hear the evidence. Mr Thomas said he w’ould merely remark that the person struck did not wish to press the charge. The offence was admitted. Constable Daly called, stated that about half-past eleven o’clock on the night of the 17th he was on duty in Gloucester street, and saw Mr Redwood strike Mr Robinson with a stick. The latter gentleman fell to the ground, and witness went up to Mr Redwood, took hold of His arm, and asked him what it all meant. Mr Redwood said Mr Robinson had used a very offensive expression to him, and he immediately “ went for him. ’ ’ After consultation, the Bench imposed a fine of 20s.