A PANTOMIME WRITER IN TROUBLE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2498, 23 March 1881, Page 4

A PANTOMIME WRITER IN TROUBLE.

John Francis M’Ardalc, described as a pantomime writer, was placed at the bar before Mr Slade, at the Southwark Police Court on Jan. 3, charged with presenting a pistol and threatening Mr William Holland, the lessee of the Surrey Theatre —Mr Walter Beard prosecuted, and Mr Grenfell appeared for the defendant.— Mr Holland said that last year he engaged the defendant to write the pantomime for his theatre, but as he did not complete it in time he was compelled to employ Mr Green to do so. Witness did not owe the defendant any money. In fact, he was indebted to witness. On Saturday afternoon, witness was standing near the : dress circle, when the defendant came up to him in an excited manner, and said, “Mr Holland, 1 want to speak to you.” Witness accompanied him towards the saloon when he said, “ Are you going to pay me.” Witness replied, “ No, I don’t owe you anything, it is quite the reverse,” and as ho was about to pass him the defendant put his hand to his side pocket and said. “ You shan’t pass until you pay me,” and took something from his pocket. Witness called out, “ What have you got there,” and the prisoner presented a pistol (produced) saying, I’ll soon show you.” Witness snatched it from him, seized hold of him, and detained him until a constable was sent for,' and he then gave him into custody. At the time it upset him very much, as he did not know whether it was loaded. He, however, did not wish to press the charge against him, as he did not think the defendant intended to injure him. He knew that he had been drinking very much, and at the time was suffering from its effects.—Police Constable 142 L said that on the charge being read over at the station the defendant said, “I had no wish to hurt Mr Holland ; I only said it in fun.” —Mr Slade called on the defendant to find two sureties to keep the peace for twelve months.