RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.—GISBORNE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1369, 16 October 1883, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.—GISBORNE.

(Before J. Booth Esq., R.M.) Saturday. Assault.—Thomas Burns wm brought up charged with assaulting Constable Wilson, whilst in the execution of his duty. Mr Kenny appeared for the defendant. Constable Wilson stated that he found two men lying on the road by the mill on the 19th iubt, who turned out to be the accused and a man named Johnston. He tried to rouse Johnston, and whilst doing so he received a blow on the mouth from the prisoner. It was very dark, and he had to light his lantern, and whilst doing so the prisoner again aimed a blow at him and then ran away, The accused seemed perfectly sober.

By Mr Kenny.—Was sure it was the accused who struck him as the other man, Johnson, was too drunk to do so, After striking him the prisoner ran off. He had known the accused some time, but had never known him to do anything of this sort before. Mr Humphries, night watchman, corroborated the constables statement. Mr Kenny addressed the Bench in mitigation of punishment, and stated that he should withdraw the plea of Not Guilty. The young man was the only support of his aged parents, and was an industrious and well-behaved young fellow, who had been led into this trouble thiough giving way to a little drink. He trusted the Bench would deal leniently with him for his parents sake. He would call a witness as to oharac er. Mr E. Woon had known the accused for 5 or 6 years, and had frequent opportunity of seeing him as he passed the dour two or three times a day. He was a sober and industrious man. Fined £2 and costs 7s, in default 48 hours imprisonment. Larceny.—R. White was brought up by the police, charged with the larceny of a bridle, valued 255. Sergeant Bullen asked for a remand, as the Native, to whom the prisoner sold the bridle, was not present.

The prisoner here guilty of the larceny as a bailee. Un the Bench asking whether the prisoner was known to the police, Sergeant Bullen stated that prisoner had been constantly before the Court during the past year on charges of drunkenness. Sentenced to 30 days hard labour, in Gisborne Gaol.