A “ DIRTY CASE.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 964, 9 March 1911, Page 3

A “ DIRTY CASE.”

Auckland, March 7. A somewhat peculiar finish occurred at the S.M. Court to-day to a civil case which came before Mr Kettle. A man named Thomas Henry Hopkins sought to recover from Miss Louie Keatts, a ring valued at £6 10s. Plaintiff deposed to first meeting the defendant on the wharf, also to various subsequent meetings, including a visit to Albert Park. He stated he let the defendant look at a ring, he had which belonged to his wife. Defendant put it on her finger, and he could not get it back again. He went with a friend to get it, but defendant said she would only return it if her own photo was returned. Witness took back the photo, but did not get the ring. The defence was that the ring was given by plaintiff to defendant as a keepsake. “ This is a dirty case,” said his Worship. ‘‘lt ought to have been taken in the Police Court in some way or other under the heading of. a charge of theft against the girl, or of indecency against the plaintiff. There had been the grossest perjury in the case, probably on both sides. I direct the police to lay a charge against the man for indecent behaviour in the Park. Plaintiff will be non-suited without costs.” Thomas Henry Hopkins, on being charged with indecency, pleaded guilty, and was remanded until Friday.