MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1938, 11 May 1880, Page 3

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

CHRISTCHURCH. Tuesday, May 11. [[Before G. L. Mellish, Esq, R.M.I WiXiEUij Destruction or Private Property.—William Duke was charged with the wilful destruction of private property belonging to Maria Midgley. Maria Midgley, sworn —I live in Lichfield street; I am a married woman, but living apart from my husband; last night the prisoner was outside my house with stones in his hand ; a pane of glass in one of my windows was broken ; the value of it was 2s. By accused—l did not see you break the glass, but you are round night after night throwing stones. Thomas Hodges—l am a mechanic ; I live at Lincoln ; about one o’clock this morning I was near Mrs Midgley’s house, and heard a tremendous bang, and a crash of breaking glass ; I saw prisoner picking up boulders from the street; ho threatened to break my head ; I wont to the Police Depot and got Sergeant Wilsoa to come and arrest him ; no one else was about. By prisoner— When I saw you first you were in the middle of the road picking up stones. The police gave accused anything but a good character—a frequenter of brothels, and repeatedly making disturbances. Prisoner —It is ridiculous to think I would break the window. The Bench—lt is more, it is criminal. Your Statement is not believed. There is no doubt yon are a thoroughly bad character. Fined £5 and damages to window, or in default fourteen day’s imprisonment with h.rd labor.