SUPREME COURT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1000, 3 June 1911, Page 3

SUPREME COURT.

PALMERSTON SITTINGS

At the Palmerston sittings of the Supreme Court Reginald Reidy charged with arson was found not guilty. Frederick Allan Richards, charged with larceny of ten sheep belonging to Barber Bros., of Himatangi, was found guilty with a recommendation for the clemency of the court on account of accused’s previous unblemished character and the possibility that being muddled with drink his was a spasmodic lapse from probity. Mr Moore on behalf of accused, applied for probation. After considering the Probation Officer’s report His Honor admitted Richards to probation for three years, ordered him not to touch intoxicating liquor during that period and to pay £l7 14s qd towards the cost of the prosecution.

August A. Stempa who pleaded not guilty to a charge of obtaiuing £5 by false pretences from Mary Coy, of Marton, by a valueless cheque was tound guilty. The jury added to their verdict that as restoration had been made and considering the previous good character of the accused, they respectfully suggested that clemency be extended to him. His Honour said he would give effect to the jury’s recommendation, and place the accused on probation. This class of offence was getting common, and he had decided to sentence anyone who had been found guilty to this offence to imprisonment, but in this case the circumstances were different to those of other cases, and he would admit the accused to probation for three years. During that time he was to refrain from all intoxicating liquors and was to contribute £lO towards the cost of the prosecution by monthly instalments of xos each.

William S. Davis on a charge of breaking and entering and stealing £6 7s fid from a residence was found not guilty and was discharged. The following motions for discharge from bankruptcy were granted : George Johston Webster, Spark Philip, William Henry Morrow, Margaret Teresa Slight, George Mexted, Robert Griffiths Perreau. The application of Norman Campbell, which was opposed, was held over till later in the session.