RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1997, 29 May 1875, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY.

Eeforo W. Fbaseb, Esq., E.M. ;. : DEUNKENNESS." ?

James Rattray was charged with having been drunk and incapable in Williamson street, Grahamstown, on the 28th instant. Defendant on bail, and forfeited the amount of his. bail by non-appearance. Charles Wilson was charged '. with having been drunk and disorderly in Brown street, Grahamstown, on the 28th instant. This defendant also* forfeited his bail. >.'. ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. - Thomas Spencer was charged with that he did unlawfully use abusive and insulting words towards one Frederick Bennett in a public street, to wit, in Pollen street, Shortland, whereby a breach of the peace might have been occasioned, on; the 26th instant. Defendant pleaded guilty,"the circumstances having been most aggravating. . Mr Macdonald appeared for complainant, and contended that the statement of Mr Spencer could not be taken as any mollification of the offence. Complainant had been arrested on an unfounded charge, and the words used were such as, under the circumstances, aggravated the impropriety of the offence committed by Mr Spencer. The action was lor a penalty. His Worship said it would have been bettor to have brought- it for sureties for the peace, as the sectionlefthimno option but to inflict a penalty. In answer to the Court Mr Spencer said there was no danger of the offence being repeated. The words were used under the impulse of the moment, and he was sorry the affair had occurred. Fined 20s and costs. ANOTHEB CASE. Frederick Bennett was charged with that he did unlawfully use insulting and provoking language ..towards Frederick Cassin, tending to provoke a breach of the peace, on the 26th instant. Mr Brassey for complainant. Mr Macdonald appeared for defendant, and stated that the brother of complainant was the person who had laid the unfounded charge against defendant. The circumstance ; arose in connection with a difference about the property in the: Parawai Gardens. On complainant telling defendant not to take some trees, the latter made use of- the language oh account of which the present action to find sureties for the peace was brought. Defendant was bound over in his own recognizance of £20 to keep the peace for three months, and to pay the costs of the action; which amounted to: £2 16s. The Court then adjourned.