TAIHAPE MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Taihape Daily Times, 26 May 1919, Page 4

TAIHAPE MAGISTRATE’S COURT

A sitting of the Court was held this morning, Messrs. Aldridge and Lyndon, being on the bench.

E. J. D. Stokes was charged with using obscene language and resisting the police, and pleaded guilty. Constable Sheahon gave evidence as to the use of the language and resisting the police, stating that defendant had been two years at the front. Mr. Ongley, who appeared for defendant, stated the language vWT used when there was practically no one about.

Mr. Aldridge pointed out the offe-ic^ 1 was a serious one. and the Bench would take into consideration the fact that defendant had served his country. Pined 40/ on each charge. G. H. Bright was charged with being guilty of threatening behaviour om May 24th, and pleaded guilty. Constable Sheahon stared that cn Saturday defendant and atnthce man came out of the fish shop aid started to fight more like two wild beasts than men. There wa s no tolling what would have happened had they not been separated.

The Bench gave some good advice iTo defendant and fined him £l, H, 'LI. Brent, the other party to the fight, appeared to answer a charge of'*® threatening behaviour and resistance ” to the police

Constable Sheahon said defendant was fighting in a manner worse than he had ever seen. When he was being’ arrested he resisted violently, and witness appealed to the bystanders for help and Mr. S. Cartier came to his assistance. Defendant refused to go to the. lock-up, and a crowd of hoodlums took a hand, Mr Cartier being struck violently on the car. Defendant got away, and ran down to the “Rec,” but later was arrested at Winiata. He had warned the defendant previously. Witness asked that an example ho made in this -case. Mr. Ongley. who appeared for defendant, said the man was drunk, and was incapable of realising the seriousess of his resisting the police. He had been eighteen months in the district, and there was nothing against him. Mr. Aldridge said these persons who came into Taihapc should behave themselves. Defendant had created a serious disturbance, and made himself liable to imprison meat for 12 months. He should not imagine that he could come to a small town like Taihape and do as he liked. Defendant would be fined £5 on each charge, with 11/ costs.