SUPREME COURT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8767, 19 March 1907, Page 2

SUPREME COURT.

Per Press Association. Napier, March 18. At the Supreme Court to-day the Grand Jury returned true bills in all cases except those against Thomas Cyril King and John Patrick McCarthy, both charged with indecent assault. Antonio Montccino, found guilty of theft, was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment. i Michael Barry, who pleaded guilty to stealing from a dwelling, was remanded for report of the probation officer. Iwi Katherine Eangi Macandrow, a native girl, pleaded guilty to theft and was admitted to probation for two years, on the understanding that she entered St. Mary’s Home, Wellington, and did not leave it during that term. John Mitchell pleaded guilty to setting fire to his dwelling house at Wairoa, but on his behalf it was urged that the burning had been done in pursuance of a native custom to destroy the belongings of a departed relative, the man’s wife having just previously died in the house. No claim for insurance money had been made in connection with the fire, though the house had been insured. The accnssd was ordered to come up for sentence whoa called upon. Takopa Kimahanga, a Native, charged with several offences, including horse stealing, was convicted and sentenced to two years.

Leonard Easton was convicted of highway robbery and sentenced to three years. Te Otene Tipn, a Maori, pleaded guilty to horse stealing and was sentenced to six months'.

Joseph Borlaco pleaded guilty and received a sentence of nine months for stealing from the person. Philip O’Brien pleaded guilty to assault and robbery, and was sentenced to six months.

New Plymouth, March 18.

The Supreme Couat opened this morning, Judge Cooper presiding. His Honor, in charging the jury, referring to charges of carnally knowing little girls and indecent assaults, said he regretted that there was never a sitting of the Supremo Court in criminal jurisdiction for the last few years there had not been one or more charges of this nature. It was certainly remarkable that men will interfere indecently with girls.

No bill was returned in the case of Jas. Power, theft. Harold Bay pleaded guilty to false pretences, and was sentenced to two years.

William Hallmond, a youth found guilty of horse stealing, with recommendation to probation,-and not guilty on charges of breaking, entering and theft; sentence was deferred.

Henry Walters, married, pleaded guilty of indecent exposure, and was remanded for probation report. Napiee, March 19.

At the Supreme Court Robert Landale Mayno pleaded guilty to attempted arson at Daunevirko. Prisoner’s counsel sought to show that Mayne was eccentric, and furnished evidence as to ■ his good character. His Honour said eccentricity did not show insanity, and the fact that prisoner was caught disguised and armed had not been satisfactorily explained. A sentence of six months was imposed.