MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1682, 11 July 1879, Page 2

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Friday, July 11. [Before Q. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M.] Drunk and Disorderly. A first offender was fined ss. Using Ohscenb Language and Assault. —James White was charged with making use of obscene language and assaulting Constable Black in the execution of his duty. All the offences were committed at Papanui, where the defendant had been to the ploughing match. For being drunk and disorderly a fine of 5s was infl cted ; 40s for assaulting the constable, and 10s for tho obscene language; in all £2 15*. Violent Assault.—Charles Physick was charged with violently assaulting Philip Gear on the 9th instant. The assault took place in the Garrick Hotel. Sergeant Morice stated that the prosecutor, wbeee leg was broken, was in the hospital. He had warned the witnesses who saw the assault committed to attend, but he found they were not present. The defendant also said ho had a witness whom ho wished to secure, if sufficient time was given him. Under the circumstances, the case was adjourned until to-morrow morning. LYTTELTON. Friday, July 11. [Before J, Beswick, Esq., B.M.] Destroying Property.—W. Irwin, J. Wright, and W. Belcher, seamen, were presented for destroying private property. Emmanuel Rich said that ho saw the prisoners breaking the windows in Captain R. Wood’s office, by throwing stones at them. It was on the night of the 9th instant. He also saw the accused throwing stones at the morgue. The witness identified Belcher on board the brig Emily, but was not sure about tho identity of Irwin and Wright. Constable Coles gave evidence as to seeing tho three men on the night in question together. Richard Wood said tho value of tho panes broken was 30s. Constable Montray said that when ho was taking the men to prison Wright remarked to one of the others, “ Oh, it’s no use denying it; we did it.” Before giving sentence the Bench heard a further charge against tho accused for breaking tho windows in a lamp near Mr P. Cunningham’s store. Mr H. N. Naldor appeared for tho Borough Council. J. Sowden and E. Rich gave evidence, Tho Bench considered the charge proved against Belcher for breaking the windows at Mr Wood’s office, and that there was not sufficient evidence against the other two in either cases ; they were, therefore, discharged, and Belcher ordered to pay the amount of damage, and a fine of £2, or forty-eight hours imprisonment.