SUPREME COURT.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 185, 29 July 1864, Page 5 (Supplement)

SUPREME COURT.

Monday, August 1, 1864. (Before His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston.) A sitting of the Supreme Court of the Middle" District was opened at the Council Chamber this morning at ten f o’clock, and immediately afterwards adjourned to the Masonic Hall. After the Grand Jury had been sworn. His Honor proceeded to charge them, in the course of which he complimented the various officers connected with the judicial and administrative departments of the Province on their attention in endeavoring to fulfil the duties devolving upon them. He )also congratulated the Province on the general absence of crime, and also on its advancement since his last visit. The Grand Jury then retired, fand found true bills against all the prisoners awaiting trial. The Court proceeded with the first follows. u John Brett, a private in the 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment, pleaded “ not guilty” to the charge of feloniously breaking into the house of Francis Saunders, at Waipawa, on the 26th of May last, and stealing therefronCa silver watch. Mr. Allen defended the prisoner. After hearing the evidence, the Jury found the prisoner “ Guilty,” and His Honor sentenced him to twelve months’ imprisonment, with hard labour. William Dowling, also a private in the above regiment, pleaded not guilty to the charge of stealing a quantity of wearing apparel, on the 13th June last, the property of Israel Trask. The prisoner was undefended. The Jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labor. William Grant, also a private in the same regiment, was charged with having, on the 20th July last, stolen a horse, the property of Isaac Roger Sutton. The prisoner, who was undefended, pleaded not guilty. The Jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of “ guilty,” and he was sentenced by the Court to four years’ penal servitude. John Reeves pleaded “guilty” to the charge of stealing £lO6 in notes from the person of William M’Laren, the particulars of which appear elsewhere, for which the Court sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment. Alexander Campbell also pleaded “ guilty” to having, on the 3rd of June last, stolen the sum of £8 and a quantity of clothing, the property of James Doherty, and his Honor sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment. Francis Saunders pleaded “ not guilty” to the charge of having in the year 1863, stolen a goblet, a stockwhip, a spring balance, and other articles, the property of James Wilkes, of Waipawa. The prisoner was defended by Mr. Allen, and after hearing the facts of the case, the Jury returned a verdict of “ guilty.” His Honor sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment.