“WITHOUT THE OPTION.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 16, 2 January 1912, Page 5

“WITHOUT THE OPTION.”

IMPRISONMENT FOR USING OI3SOENE LANGCAGE. A SALUTARY SENTENCE. Repeated warnings have been' given by the Bench that obscene language in the Stratford district was becoming altogether too frequent. This morning two offenders who appeared before Mr O. J). Sole, J.P., were severely dealt with. William O’Brien pleaded guilty to two charges, first of using obscene language on the local racecourse, and second of being found drunk on tno same place. Accused pleaded guilty to both charges, and elected to be dealt with summarily. Sergfc. McNeely said accused was hopelessly drunk, and they had been forced to arrest him. He had used vile language in the presence of ladies. He had numerous previous convictions against him for the same offence and for another more serious one.

The Bench said accused bid fair to become an.habitual criminal. “You’ve been convicted over and over again, and you will now be imprisoned in New Plymouth gaol for two months.” Accused: “Give me a fine! Give me a chance to get back to work!” His Worship: “On the second count you will be convicted and discharged.” The other offender was Adam McKeown, who pleaded guilty to using obscene language in Broadway. He elected to be dealt with summarily, as he knew “the Bench was fairminded, and would give an honest man a chance.” Constable Liston said accused was creating a disturbance in a fish-shop at Klo’clock last night, and had then used the language complained of. Sergeant McNeely: “He has two previous convictions against him for the same offence.” Accused made a rambling statement about having had to help clear the Whangamomona tunnel for a sick lady who was coming into Stratford after an accident. He was very flattering to His Worship, but was cut short by the Bench giving him the same treatment as the previous man, namely, two months’ in Now Plymouth gaol with hard labour.