MAGISTRATES’ COURTS

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1625, 6 May 1879, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS

OHRISTCHTJBOH. Tuesday, Mat 6. [Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Wileul Debteuctiok oe Govebnmbnt Pbophbty.—Henry Brown was ordered to pay the coat of a utensil value 20s, which he broke while confined in the look-up. Labcent op Goods.—James Graham was charged with stealing a watch and chain, a pair of sleeve links, a purse and 15s, and a receipt for £4 19s 6d, the property of John Brookes. The prosecutor deposed that he was a billiard marker at the Golden Fleece Hotel. On the 29th of April he went to bed at 3 a.m. and rose at ten o'clock. Missed a watch and fifteen shillings in money and a few letters from the p'ice where he had left them overnight before going to bed. He afterwards missed a corkscrew knife, some sleeve studs, a tailor's receipt for £6 3s, and some more letters. The prisoner was employed in the scullery, but had left the hotel before witness got up on the morning he missed his property. Identified the property in court as that which had been stolen. Detective Benjamin deposed that he arrested the prisoner at Lyttelton at 5 p.m. on the 29th ult. On searching him found the purse and the receipt produced, the knife, and also the studs. Charged him with the theft, and said he was also charged with stealing a watch and chain belonging to John Brookes. Prisoner acknowledged stealing the things found on him, but denied any knowledge of the watch and chain. Also found on him a cheque for £l, drawn by Hill Brothers, Mitre Hotel, Lyttelton. Afterwards got the watch and chain from the " boots " at the Mitre Hotel. Joseph Thompson deposed that he was employed as boots at the Mitre Hotel, Lyttelton. On the 29th of April the prisoner told him he was going away in the Stad Haarlem, and offered to sell him the watch produced. Witness gave him £l, and promised him 5s more. The pound was in the form of a cheque for that amount, the same produced. The next day gave the watch to Detective Benjamin. There was a second charge of stealing from Henry O'Connor, barman at the Terminus Hotel. Proseoutor stated he went to bed on the night of the 6th April, leaving his overcoat on his bed. The following morning he rose at half-past Biz and left the bedroom. Missed the coat at about noon the same day, and reported the loss to the police. The prisoner and two other men slept in the same room with him. Next saw the coat in Stewart's pawn office. Witness purchased it twelve months ago for £2 10s. The prisoner had been employed in the hotel, and left on the 7th inst. Eobert Parker, assistant to Mr Stewart, proved the pawning of the coat on the Bth of April by the prisoner. He said it was his own property. Witness advanced him 6s on it. Detective Benjamin gave evidence of the arrest of the prisoner on the 29th inst. on another charge, and he admitted stealing the coat. The prisoner, on being asked what he had to say, pleaded guilty on each charge, and was sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour for the larceny of the coat, and six months' imprisonment on the other charge, the sentences being cumulative. LYTTELTON. Monday, May sth. [Before H. Allwright, Esq., J.P.] Dbunkennesb.—E. Ford, for being drunk on the railway platform on Saturday, was fined ss.—J. Hogg was also fined 5s for drunkenness. Eeeusaii o» Duty.—Euphart Lenton, charged with refusal of duty on board the ship Cape Ftnisterre, was remanded unto Thursday for the attendance of Mr Mellish. Lunacy.—John Williams was further remanded until to-morrow for the attendance of two Justices of the Peace. Tuesday, May 6. [Before H. Allwright, Esq., R.M.] Dbunkbnness. Daniel Sullivan, presented for being drunk, was mulcted in the sum of ss. Using Obscene Language. —Augustus Silvester was brought before the Court charged with using obscene and indecent language on board the barque Buttermere at the Gladstone pier, the same being within hearing of a public place. He was ordered to pay a fine of 60s, or be sent to prison for fourteen days with hard labor.