MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1886, 10 March 1880, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

OHBISTOHUBOH. Wednesday, Mabch 10. [[Before G. L. Mellish, Esq., R.M., and J. E. Parker, Esq., J.P.] Dbunk and Disobdeely. —A first offender was fined ss. Ellen Thompson was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and admitted the fact, at the same time accusing Constable Caraher, who arrested _ her, of pushing and kicking her on the hip. Constable Caraher, being sworn, proved the arrest of the prisoner, but denied kicking her. Sergeant Morice seated he went round to the watchhouse at nine o’clock that morning, and asked if the prisoners had any complaint to make, and tho prisoner said no. Subsequently from what Constable Briggs had told him, he went again at 10 o’clock to the prisoner, and then she said she had been kicked by the constable who arrested her. The woman said she had not been examined to sea if there was any bruise on his person, and tho Bench ordered the case to be put back for an hour, nnd in tho meantime tho prisoner could be examined by a proper person to verify her statement of being kicked. When the case was called on again, Constable Coles stated that when the accused was looked up she was very drunk and disorderly, and kicked at the lock-up door, so that her boots had to be taken away. She complained of no illutage. Tho female searcher at the depot being sworn, said that she had recently examined the accused and found a discoloration on her right and left arm, and on her hip. They were not serious. The Bench held there was no doubt the accused had been drunk and disorderly, and fined her 20s. Constable Caraher was then brought up, and the Bench said from the evidence of the female [searcher there was no doubt the accused had been assaulted in the manner she had described. This was not the first charge of the kind which had been brought against the constable, and the fapt of there being a constable in the force addicted to the conduct ascribed to him was a matter to be looked into, but he would leave the matter in the hands of the police authorities. Mr Sub-Inspector O’Donnell said he would cause the strictest inquiry to be made into the conduct of Constable Caraher.

Neglected Ohildbbn. Emily, Elizabeth, and Ellen Batsmen were brought before the Bench to be dealt with aa children dwelling with a person reputed to be an habitual drunkard. Mr Sub - Inspector O'Donnell informed the Court that the proceedings had been brought at the instance of Mr J. B. March, as the mother of the children was in the receipt of charitable aid. Sergt. Wilson said he had gone to Mrs Bateman’s house and found the children in a neglected and filthy state, the mother habitually drinking. Mr Mellish thought the best plan would be to compel the mother to live at the depot, so as be under supervision, and remove the children to Burnham. The mother had another baby in arms, and Sub-Inspector O’Donnell said there was another child, a boy, not in Court. The three before the Court were ordered to be sent to the Industrial School for seven years, to be brought up in the religion of the Church of England. Elizabeth, David, and Alexander Wright were then brought up under similar circumstances. It appeared that when Sergeant Wilson went to enquire into the previous case, he found the children (Wright) living in the same house. Their mother was dead, and their father, who was continually drinking, had not done any work for months. He was living with the other woman. The sergeant found the children in rags, and without any shoes or (stockings, (and the. eldest girl, who was twelve years of age, but did not look more than nine, had to wash and do for the others. Mr Mellish said it appeared to be a case for inflicting imprisonment and hard labor on the father, who evidently would not support his children. If he wonld not do it himself he would have to pay for them in the Industrial School. All throe children were ordered to be sent to the Industrial School, to be brought up in the Presbyterian religion, and their father would have to pay for their support. False Pebtbnchs.— Walter Edward Terry was charged with obtaining goods under false pretences from Michael Keeley. On the application of Mr Izard the accused, who was on bail, was remanded to Saturday, the 13th instant. 9 Indecent Assault. —Peter Martin, on remand from the previous day, was charged with indecently assaulting an infant of tender age. At the request of the Bench the public withdrew, and the examination was made with closed doors. After hearing the evidence, which was unfit for publication, the Bench committed the prisoner for trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court. LYTTELTON. Wednesday, Mabch 10. [Before Joseph Beswiek, Esq., R.M,J Dsunkennesb. Henry Anderson was found drunk on his own doorstep, and, rimitting the offence, wbt fined ss. J. Morgan, for being drunk, 20s. Peopane Language. David Thomson was charged with using profane language on London street to Sergeant-Major O’Qrady. Accused was not drunk at the time, and the insult was most unprovoked. The Bench admonished the accused, and fined him 20s. Absent without Leave, Assault and Disobedience. —James Linton, first officer of the ship Remonstrant, was charged by the master with being away from the ship, with refusing to tally in the cargo, and with assaulting him by catching hold of the prosecutor’s coat. Mr H. N. Nalder appeared for the master, and Captain Stoddart and Robert Owen gave- evidence, which was further corroborated by J. P. Jones. The accused had been previously up for being absent without leave. The Bench said he saw nothing but to send the defendant to prison, but on account of the captain not wishing to press the charge on account of the defendant’s family, and it being understood that he would take his discharge from the ship, judgment would be suspended.