COMRADES IN TROUBLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3834, 21 August 1928, Page 3

COMRADES IN TROUBLE.

At the local police court this morning before Messrs M. E. Perron u and G. Eraser, J’s.P., Robert Jeffries and Albert Purcell, yverc charged yvith drunkenness and the latter yvith obstructing Constable Bell in the discharge of his duty. Both yvere , placed under arresj. Jeffries yvas subsequently bailed out and yvas convicted and fined 5/-. Purcell pleaded guilty to the charges laid against him. Constable Owen said that in company yvith Constable Bell last evening Jeffries yvas noticed under the influence of liquor and was accompanied by Purcell. When Constable Bell arrested Jeffries, Purcell interfered and said if they yvere going to take his companion ho yvas going too. Both yvere then placed under arrest. Interference with a constable in the execution of his duty said witness, yvas a serious offence, particularly should he be dealing yvith a ease single-handed. The layv provided a penalty of £2O or in the alternative three months. ' Drink yvas the cause of accused getting into trouble, otherwise he yvas a man of good character. Accused had consented to take out a prohibition order and in the circumstances he yvould not press for a heavy penalty. Mrs. J. Chrichton, said she desired to give evidence to the effect that this yvas the first time in three years that Purcell had been in trouble through drink. The Bench said that the offence of interference yvith a constable yvas serious and jould not be overlooked. Accused yvould be convicted on the first charge and a prohibition order to issue and on the obstruction charge he yvould be convicted and fined £2. A fortnight yvas allowed in yvhich to pay the fine.