DRUNK IN COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1931, Page 8

DRUNK IN COURT

A BLENHEIM INCIDENT. BLENHEIM, February 4There was an unusual scene at the Blenheim Magistrate’s Court, when one of the parties to a maintenance case appeared in a semi-intoxicated condition, and was ordered to be taken into custody by Air T. E. Aiaurtsell. S.M. His name is Roderick Barclay, and he appealed thruogli Mr C. T. Smith for a variation of a maintenance order for £1 10s per week in bis wife’s favour.

Applicant was at once placed in tbe box and proceeded to give eiideiuo in a rambling fashion, which induced his counsel to ask leave to retire from the case on the grounds that bis client was not in a fit condition to give evidence. His Worship said he quite agreed and refused to make an order.

Subsequently bis Worship called defendant before him, and asked him if lie could give any reasons why he should not be committed for contempt of Court in appearing before him in a semi-intoxicated condition. Defendant expressed his regrets. Counsel explained that defendant lived in the country far away from hotels, and had possibly been “overcome by the sudden temptation of Blenheim’s strong waters.” His Worship ordered defendant to be taken into custody until the rising of the Court. Later ho was brought before the Magistrate. He pleaded that war injuries had left their mark on him. and when excited he was easily overcome by drink. He had had only two brandies. His Worship accepted the explanation, and dismissed him.