A COURT SCENE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1926, Page 4

A COURT SCENE

“I WON’T SING OUT.” CHRISTCHURCH, May 1. “Well, how would you plead if you was me?” asked Robert Falloon ill the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning when he appeared on remand in answer to a charge of having been found drunk. Tlio constable who arrested hint a week ago said accused was drunk in Colombo Street. He had a bottle of beer in bis band and was shouting at the top of bis voice. The .Magistrate (Mr H. A. Young, S.M.) : Have you any questions to ask the constable ? Accused: It’s no use contradictin’. Senior-Sergeant Martin said accused bad been remanded for medical treatment, and the expenses were 17s (id. The Magistrate: Are you prepared to take out a prohibition order? Accused: No, thanks. By this time accused bad a broad grin oil bis face, and bad his thumbs stuck defiantly ill tho shoulder loopholes of bis waistcoat Tlio Magistrate (to the senior-ser-geant): I think you had better make an application for a pi oil ibi l ion order. He hasn't bad one since 1908. but lias been in trouble several times through drink. Accused was ordered to stand down while the police prepared a prohibition order. When accused was brought into the dock - again be was, asked if be would consent to the order. “Do I consent to it? Certainly not,” replied accused. After healing the evidence of two constables the Magistrate said: “Don’t you think a prohibition order would help you?” Accused (in a deep voice): No. The Magistrate: Apparently when you take drink you can’t control yourself. You call out. Accused: I’ll take out an order for that if you like, f won't sing out any morel (Laughter). On the charg# of drunkenness accused was convicted and discharged, lie was ordered to pay 17s fid medical expenses, in default four days’ imprisonment. and a prohibition order was issued against him.