"PEEPING TOM”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 632, 8 April 1929, Page 16

"PEEPING TOM”

BARMAN GETS CURIOUS PENALTY OF £2 Accused of being a “Peeping Tom,” Bernard Victor Coggier told the magistrate that he was simply looking through a window to see if the room was empty. Coggier, a barman, aged 36, was charged with being found loitering on enclosed premises in Cobden Street on April 5. He was represented by Mr. J. J. Sullivan and pleaded not guilty. William Collinson, who resides in Cobden Street, said that on Saturday his son was just going to the pictures, and when opening the front door saw accused, who asked for No. 7, Cobden Street. The boy offered to take him across but returned to witness with a story of accused being seen loitering on the premises. Witness went across and accosted Coggier, who denied the accusation, arid said he was looking for rooms and wanted to get to Newton Road. “I taxed him with peering under the blinds at my daughter getting dressed,” said witness. Mr. Sullivan said Coggier was a hard-working man who had not been out of a job for four years. He had got into Cobden Street by accident. It was close to Newton Road. Coggier admitted looking under one blind, but said he was only looking to see if the room was empty. “He is convicted,” said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. “You want to take a pull and look after yourself, Coggier. I will fine you £2, in default seven days.” ,