Serious Charge Against a Policeman.

Manawatu Herald, 21 June 1898, Page 3

Serious Charge Against a Policeman.

At Afexandra near Dunedin, last week Sergeant Scully, who was recently transferred to that district, was charged with stealing a bottle of gin from a Dunedin hotel. The evidenoo of the wife of the manager W&3 to the effect that while she wa9 in a room from which she oould see the bar Sergeaut Soully came in on tip toes, and after peering round took up a full bottle of gin, placed it under hi 3 coat, and was talking out when she called her husband. For the defence it was contended that there was no criminal intent. The accused in giving evidence said he had no recollection cf taking a bottle, and if he took it he did not intend to steal. He had been in bad health of late, suffering from insomnia. Numerous annoyances had been preying on his mindand had affected his brain. He had been advised by a Christchurch ohemist to take driuk to get rid of the influenza and he had been drinking fiinca he went to Clyde. Mr Mo Carthy, 8.M., said he must take it that accused was quite cane at the

time. As it was bis first offence accused would bo admitted to probation for six months, during which ho must consent to the issue of a Prohibition Order against himself.