MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1930, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

biffed MOUTH, September 30. At Court yesterdaj before ;MrCW; Meld rum S.Mv, Betel Joseph charged witlr.indecently assaulting a male, at Waiuta on September'was further remanded until. nex||mpnday. \ guilty was entered by William Bjonry Pnrfitt, who was charged by th{v;, : Cominisionor of Taxes with failing jto) : ,fiimish the required return of his Income. A fine of £2 and costs £2 I2sf \saA, imposed.. , Two.jv&lersiders, William Charles

Blacktdppv.aind. Charles Henry Sweetma,n, w6i% 'charged with fighting in Ashtpn’s |£ane on August ,83. Both. leaded notlgfiilty. After hearing evidence the 'Magistrate, summing up, stated that, with the exception of the statements made to the police, the ease practically turned upon which of the two defendants was to be believed. He was inclined to discount the evidence of Mulroy, as neither of the defendants seemed to have seen him in Ashton?s’>bLane. Sweetman had ad- . mitted haying had some drinks before \ meeting Riacktopp, and also admitted going back to the hotel afterwards. There appeared to be no doubt, from the police evidence also,-that Sweetman wa s under the influence of liquor. Blacktopp, .on the other hand, apparently showed no signs of liquor, and his evidence was much more credible. The police also spoke in his favour as to his general conduct, “It seems to me,” added Mr Meldrum, “there is not much doubt about it that Sweetman, under the influence of liquor,- : ;Was the .aggressor, and that anything done by Blacktopp was. done in The charge against Blacktopp was dismissed, but Sweetman was fined £1 with 16s Court costs and £1 2a 6d witnesses’ expenses.