ASHBURTON MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1848, 24 January 1880, Page 3

ASHBURTON MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Atthis Courton Friday, Janus WLite, a rider, was charged with stealing a bridle, surcingle, and breastplate, tho property of Mr John Grigg. Cons'able Farmer arrested prisoner, and found the articles stolen on his horse. Accused said he had borrowed tha articles in question without, any intention of stealing them. Frank Graham, a butcher in Mr Grigg's employ, bad had property stolen in his charge. White had loft Mr Grigg's two months ago, and went to live at Lowcliff. On the 27th December went to Lowcliff with Mr Button (Mr Grigg's mar tiger), and saw the property in question. I identified the martingale by the brand J.G. which was o--it. The property was on a horso in Lowcliff stable. Took the articles off tho horso and carried samo back to Longbeaeli. Never gave the articles to accused, or any other person. The articles were worth about 10s 6d. Edward Button (Mr Grigg's manager) gave evidence of a similar nature. Murdoch McPhorson identified tho stolen saddlery. Herbert Mutton, groom at Lowcliff, saw accused at Lowcliff on Decainbor loth with a horse, on which was the saddlery in question. Acoused told witness ho had bought them at Mr Grigg's of Frank, the stockman, for 10s, and offered to sell them to him at tho same price. Timothy Cronin depoacd that he had asked accused to sell the bridle, martingale, &c, as accused said they were his own. Accused said he would sell them for 10?. Witness could not positively swear to the saddlery in the Court being the samo as that offered to him for sale. John Grigg deposed that the brand on tho martingale was similar to his. Mr Crisp defended the accused. Tho Bench sentenced tho accused to one week's imprisonment. James Anderson was sent to gaol for a month for stealing a Bhirt from a swag at the Ashburton Hotel. Two drunkards were fined 10s.