MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 967, 1 August 1877, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday, August 1. (Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.)

Indecency.—Jacob Swenson was brought up, on remand, charged with committing an offence of this nature at Selwyn. It was proved, on the evidence of witnesses, that the offence had been committed by accused on more than one occasion. He had been an inmate of the Home at Selwyn. His Worship told accused he appeared to be a nuisance whether lie was in or out of gaol. He had continually pestered him (his Worship) for employment, and when it was obtained for him from the City Council he would not do it. The only place he was fit for was gaol, and as he had already been twice convicted for a similar offence, he would be sent to prison for twelve months with hard labor. Stealing from a Dwelling.—Edward Anderson was charged with stealing a purse from Mandon's boarding-house, Gloucester street. When arrested by Sergeant Beck, a half-sovereign, two-shilling piece, two single .shillings, sixpence, threepenny piece, and twopence in coppers were found upon him. Accused said he would like to have the man present who gave him the money, but did not express any desire to have anyone sent for. Anthony Brandon, the prosecutor, stated that accused had been staying at his place. The previous day witness had occasion to go out for a few moments, leaving in a box a purse which contained half-a-sovereign, two half-crowns, five shillings, and seven sixpences. The box was left locked and the key on the mantelpiece. Accused was out when witness left the house, but was in when he returned, leaving again directly. About ten minutes afterwards witness went to the box to pay a man for the " Weekly Press," and he found the purse gone. When accused returned witness taxed him with having stolen the money. During the time accused stayed witli witness he had not paid him a red cent. Accused brought home some new things after the money had been stolen, and also had his hair cut. He also knew where witness kept his money. Benjamin George, living at Brandon's boarding house, said accused had had no money from the time he came there until his arrest. Other evidence was given, showing that accused had been without any money. Theodore Jeffrey called, stated he was out with accused the previous night when he shouted a few times, paying for the drinks with sixpences. Sergeant Morice gave evidence of having asked accused whether he wanted the witness to prove where he got the money, and he said, after flunking of it during the night, he thought he would be better without him. In reply to the Bench, accused admitted the offence, and said there were twenty-live shillings in the purse. It was not in a box, but on a table when he took it. His Worship told him ho had acted in a most ungrateful manner to the man who had treated him so kindly. As this was his first offence he would receive a lenient sentence. Sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labor.