MORE CHASTENED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 876, 21 January 1930, Page 11

MORE CHASTENED

VAGRANT’S COURTESY TO COURT “ARMY” TO HELP HIM Considerably more chastened than on liis last appearance when he accused the police of persecuting him, Roger James Coyle was painstakingly courteous to Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.. at the Police Court this morning. He was given another chance. Coyle, a labourer, aged 33, was charged with being an incorrigible rogue, having been previously convicted as a rogue and vagabond and having insufficient visible means of supnort. On Saturday Coyle refused to listen to questions and complained that he was not getting a fair deal. He had to be remanded until today. The clerk of court asked Coyle whether lie wished to be tried at the Supreme Court or to be dealt with summarily. “You’ll pardon me your gentleman Worship.” commenced Coyle. The Magistrate: Do you want to be tried here? Accused: I don’t want to cause no trouble. The Magistrate: You will if you don’t answer my question. Coyle elected to be dealt with summarily but “I am certainly not guilty,” he said. For at least 12 months, according to Constable Sherson, Coyle had been wandering about, the city, both day and night. He did not work but picked up a few bottles from the back of buildings. He was in a filthy condition. Coyle: What is the constable’s name, please? Witness: Sherson. “Have you ever seen me under the influence of liquor?” asked Coyle. “No,” said witness. “Have you ever seen me interfering with anybody?” “No.” “Have you ever seen me asking anyone for money?” “I couldn’t say.” The Magistrate: lie is not charged with that. Detective Packman was of the opinion that Coyle had done no work for two years. He was always hanging about Hobson Street and its vicinity. “I think myself you are exaggerating,” declared accused. “It’s over the odds, Detective Packman. I was in the Salvation Army Home for a year.” Staff-Captain Holmes said Coyle was a truthful man, but he had had many ups and downs. The Army was prepared to take him back. “He must not go around the streets at night,” warned the magistrate. Coyle: I assure you of that. Thank you very much indeed. Accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon. “You had better tell him what that means Captain Holmes,” was the magistrate’s parting remark.