JUDGE’S WARNING

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1929, Page 2

JUDGE’S WARNING

PRISONER FAILS TO APPEAR. AUCKLAND, Aug. 19. “This Court does not exist for the convenience of the criminal community ,Mr Matthews, and it is the business of counsel and prisoner to make ttiemselves acquainted with the business of the Court in which they are concerned. Don’t let it occur again.” These remarks were made by Mr Justice Herdman at the Supreme Court this morping, when there was.no appearance of Allan 1 Walter Adams (20), who should have been present to receive sentence on a charge of forgery- ' Immediately the Court sat, Mr Matthews, counsel for prisoner, said tnat owing to • a misunderstanding Adam's had not appeared. Apparently he had not been notified by the police. His Honour: Has the Court to await the convenience of a prisoner? Mr Matthews: No, sir. His Honour: Who is to blame? He is out on bail. What do you propose to do about the bail money, Mr Meredith ? Mr Meredith (Crown prosecutor): I would not ask that bail be estreated, but I want to make it clear that no responsibility is thrown on the police to notify prisoners. The police aro not expected to go c-hasing prisoners to inform them of when they are to appear. ;His Honour.: Where is this man? Mr Matthews:'He is at Ponsonby. He'can be brought here in about hall an hour. .’ His Honour: You were notified on Friday, Mr Matthews. It is the business of counsel and prisoner to make themselves acquainted with the arrangements made. Don’t let it occur again. You had better have him here as soon as possible, otherwise the Crown will probably apply for the estreatment of bail.