POLICE COURT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 465, 10 August 1909, Page 2

POLICE COURT.

At the local Police Court this morning before Mr Alf. Fraser, J.P,, John William Anderson was charged with drunkenness. He pleaded not guilty. Constable Woods gave evidence to the effect that when down Main Street yesterday afternoon making enquires! in reference to a breach of the peace which had taken place, he noticed Anderson was drunk. Arrested him. and brought him to the police station and charged him with drunkenness. When he placed him in the cell accused asked for some water, and on receiving it poured it over his head. He then asked that Dr Adams be called to examine him, which was done.

In answer to accused, witness said that he (accused) was not walking straight, he was groggy. Constable Sweeney stated that he was iu the watch-house when accused was brought in, and he (accused) was in a drunken state. He corroborated Constable Woods’ evidence in reference to accused asking for water.

To accused: Would not be surprised to hear that you had drank some methylated spirits.

The accused called Dr. Adams who stated that he examined Anderson at about 3. 30 p.m. Put the usual tests to him and he satisfactorily replied to them. He smelt of alcohol but knew what he was doing. In reply to the police, the witness said that hei could not say what accused’s condition might have been half an hour previous.

Thomas Mitchell said that Anderson appeared to have had a couple of drinks, but was certainly not drunk. The accused said that he had been ill on Sunday night and on Monday morning had taken some methylated spirits which had made him sick. Did not have any liquor at all on Monday. Considered that Constable Woods had a set on him.

The justice fined Anderson five shillings, in default 24 hours imprisonment.

BREACH OP THE PEACE

John William Anderson and Peter Petersen were charged on the information of the police with using threatening behaviour in Main Street, whereby a breach of the peace was occasioned. Both accused pleaded guilty. Petersen showed marks of the trouble, the left side of his lace being very much swollen, and the flesh round the eye was discoloured.

Constable Woods said the fracas occurred in the middle of Main Street, between the old Post Office and the Post Office Hotel. He asked that the full penalty be inflicted, as it was time this kind of thing was stopped.

Anderson said that Petersen was skylarking and had got hold of his (Anderson’s) arm. He pulled him away twice and had then walked because he did not want to get into any trouble.

The Bench said that the maximum penalty was a fine of £5 or one month’s imprisonment. He inflicted a fine of £2, with costs, 7s. In Anderson’s case there would also be an additional 6s for witness’ expenses. The fines were paid.