POLICE COURT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5005, 26 July 1926, Page 2

POLICE COURT.

ELDERLY OFFENDER CHARGED.

DRUNKENNESS REGRETTED.

An. elderly man named James, Hedley appeared before Mr P. E. Brenan, J,P„ at the local Police Court this morning charged with drunkenness in Wiloughby Street, Paeroa, on Saturday afternoon.

Constable McClinchy said that Hedley, who had appealed before the Court oil a similar charge last week, was found in a helpless state of intoxication on Saturday. He was a good tradesman, but had been, drinking a good deal and had done little work. Accused a daughter at Paeroa who was doing her best to keep him straight When arrested he had a bank-book'-in his possession which showed a credit balance of £24'. Under the Police Offences Act, 1908, accused was liable to imprisonment in default of a fine.

In answer to the Bench Hedley said that he was, recovering from influenza and wa£ run down. He remembered having only three glasses of beer on Saturday, and as a rule was not a heavy drinker. He pleaded hard for a chance, and said that he ha) a steady job to go tqj at Matamata. While admitting that it was his second offence within a short time, Hedley said that he appeared to be very unlucky. He had beee working lo,ng hours on the refnovattons; of the Paeroa Hotel, and had money due to him for work done.

Mr Brenan s.aid that he would take the circumstances into consideration a.nd defendant would be given a chance to make good. A conviction would be entered, with a fine of £2, in default 7 day’s imprisonment. Defendant was ordered to leave for the job at Matamata before mid-day tomorrow.

Addressing the Bench, Hedley said that he was ashamed of his conduct. He appreciated the treatment accorded him, and intended to profit by his experience and leave drink alone in the future. He expressed sorrow that he had “tieated his boss, Mr Marshall, so badly.”