MAGISTRATES' COURTS

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1604, 10 April 1879, Page 3

MAGISTRATES' COURTS

CHRISTCHUKCH. Thubsday, Apbil 10. [Before H. E. Webb, Esq., J.P., and His Worship the Mayor.] Vagbancy.—John Irvine was charged with vagrancy, having no visible lawful means of support. The Inspector of Police stated that the defendant's wife had obtained a protection order against him, and he had since to be cautioned against troubling his wife, but he frequently went to her home and annoyod her. Constable Neil being called, deposed that he arrested the prisoner at Mrs Irvine's house. He (prisoner) was making a noise there, and demanding some clothes of his, which Mrs Irvine declared were not in the house. The Bench sentenced the prisoner to 14 days' imprisonment. Bbeaking a G-lass Dooe Mary Welstead was charged with maliciously smashing the glass of a certain door, value £5, the property of Samuel Freeman. The barman of the Southern Hotel was examined, also the licensee, Samuel Freeman, who stated that the damage done would amount to £5. It appeared that the defendant and her husband were in the hotel making a noise, and the barman had to put them out, immediately after which the defendant broke the window. In answer to the Bench defendant said she had only just oome out of gaol, and expressing contrition for the offence, said she was willing to pay the damage. The evidence having been heard, a fine of 20s and costs, or 48 hours' imprisonment, was imposed, and defendant was ordered to pay the damage, or go to prison for one week. Maiiciotxs Injuby.—James Wilson was charged with malicious injury to property, he having set fire to a gorse fence. Mr Holmes appeared for the prisoner, and stated that the whole |caee seemed to have arisen out of a mistake, defendant having set fire to the fence accidentally with the ashes from his pipe. The parties bad previously lived on good terms, and defendant was perfectly willing to pay for what damage he had caused. Inspector Hickson had no objection to withdraw the charge on payment of expenses. The defendant was therefore discharged. LYTTELTON. Thursday, Apbii 10. [Before Q. L. Mellish, tsq., 8.M., and T. 11. Potts, Esq., J.P.] Assault.—John Sheen and John Murphy were presented for assaulting James Day, master of the brigantme Star. Mr Joyce for plaintiff, Mr Nalder for defendants. The squabble took place on Sunday afternoon last, the vessel being at the time alongside No. 3 wharf. In defence, a fireman named Vaughan testified that the mate struck Murphy first, and the captain afterwards interfered. The mate knocked Murphy off the tub. After the captain interfered, then Sheen stepped in and let both the mate and captain have it. This was corroborated by Q-eorge Talbot, steward of the tug boat, Lyttelton, James Brown and John Surnip, firemen. It was contended by plaintiff's counsel that insolence had been used by Mumhy to the mate before the latter struck him, and that, as far as the plaintiff was concerned, the assault had been fully proved against both the prisoners. The action for assault against the mate was also preferred by the boy Murphy. The charge against Murphy for assaulting the captain was dismissed; Sheen received fourteen days, and the mate was fined 10s and costs. Dbt/nk.—William Burns was mulcted in the usual penalty for a first offence. LabOBNY. —0. Christiansen was charged with taking a £5 note out of the pocket of a shipmate, Theodore Hansen, on board the barque Examiner. One month's imprisonment with hard labor.

Civil Business.—McDonald y McFarlane, claim £BS, Mr H. N. Nalder for plaintiff, Mr Hobden for defendant. Adjourned to be heard in Christchurch April 24th, defendant to deposit £B7 10a, and to pay the costs of adjournment £5 sa. [Left sitting.]