MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1860, 9 February 1880, Page 2

MAGISTRATES' COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Monday, Fbbbuaby 9. [Bofore G. L. Lee, Esq., and J. E. Parker, Esq., J.P.'s.] Dbunk and Disobdbbly.—A first offender was fined ss. William Bluett was charged with making use of obscene language, and redisting the police in the execution of their duty. Constables Caraher and McCarthy and a boarding bouse keeper named Evans gave evidence of the extremely violent conduct of the defendant. A witness named Charles Finlay gave evidence on behalf of the defendant, and stated that he saw him arrested in Manchester street on9aturday night. Ho considered that both of the conßtablea used a great deal of unnecessary violence, punching and kicking him and dragging him along the ground after he was handcuffed. One of the constables (McCarthy) knelt on the defendant. Walter lies corroborated the evidecce of the last witness. He saw Constable Caraher deliberately kick defendant two or three times in the side when he was lying on the grsund. A gentleman who remorstrated with the constable for his violence was arrested for hia interference and taken to the lock-up. William Mallard said he was unacquainted with the defendant. On Saturday night he saw two constables, one in uniform and one in plain clothes, dragging a man along and kicking him, in Manchester street. One of the constables went for a cab and witness asked the other for his number; he gave it to him, and for refusing to give hia name was himself taken into custody. The defendant being sworn, said he was a se3man, and had been living at Thomas's Boardinghouße, in Tuam street. On Saturday night he was in Manchester street. Constable Oarahar told him to go home, and then pushed him and knocked him down. When he was on the ground the constable kicked him two or three times. Another constable in plain clothes assisted the first one. Between them defendant was got down, and the second constable took him by the throat and almost choked him. Was not intoxicated, and offered no violence to the police until they commenced to ill use him. Was still suffering from the effects of the kicks. The defendant said he had no recollection of ever seeing the witness Evans or calling at his hoase, although the latter and his wife swore that ,ke was twice there on Saturday night," and made use of the language with which he was charged. The Bench had no doubt of the drunkenness and use of bad language, for which the defendant was fined 10j. They were of opinion that as there was a doubt of the resistance, that part of the charge would be dismissed, and the defendant could take any steps he thought proper against the police if he thought unnecessary violence had been used to him. William Mallard was charged with obstructing Constable Caraher in the execution of his duty. The case arose out of the last one, and Constable Caraher stated the obstruction consisted in the defendant telling him to let his prisoner (the defendant in the previous case) go. At the same time defendant placed hia hand on his shoulder, and pushed him. The defendant asked witness for his number, and witness pointed to it on his hat, as his hands were full with the prisoner. Walter lias, called by the defendant, said he was standing by his side on Saturday night, when he was taken in charge. Never saw him place his hand on the constable, nor could he have dene so without his knowledge. The case was dismissed.

Stoke Thowtng.—Thomas Mclnerny was charged with being drunk and disorderly and throwing stones at the housa of James Merrin, in the Windmill road. The drunkenness was admitted, but not the stone throwing. On the evidence of the prosecutor a fine of 10s was inflicted. Labokkt.—William Bryan was charged with stealing a coat value 235, the property of Henry Drummond. The prisoner, against whom there were five previous convictions, and who had only been liberated from gaol the same morning, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labor.

MiSOELiANBOira. —Arundel Webster was summoned for riding across the railway line when a train was approaching and the danger flag exhibited. The offence was admitted, but the defendant said he did not see the flag until he was close up to the woman who was holding it. A. fine of 203 was imposed. Michael Hamilton, charged with leaving hie licensed cab unattended, admitted the oßence and was fined 20j and costs 2s.