RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3791, 21 February 1881, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

(Before James Skene and T. L. Murray,

Esqs., J.P.s

The Murder Case. John Procoffi, a short, spare looking man, was placed iv the dock. Sergeant-Major O'Grady applied for a remand until Thursday, the 24th instant. He said he was not prepared to go on with the case, as the witnesses were at Te Aroha- There was other information to be obtained, which would necessitate a remand.

Mr Brassey, who appeared for the accused, said he thought it a most unreasonable application. The accused had been already more than a week in prison, and as yet there had not been a tittle of evidence to show that the accused was the guilty man. He submitted that, before the Bench granted the remand, they should hear some evidence in order to see that a pritna facie case was made out against the prisoner. It was not long since the B.M. had insisted on hearing some evidence in a crirniual. case before granting a remand. Sergeant-Major O'Grady placed the warrant for prisoner's arrest, to prove that his assertion as to the prisoner being charged with murder was correct.

Mr Brassey said that it was not his intention to cast a slur on the veracity of the Sergeant-Major. The prisoner had been before the Coroner's jury, who by

returning the verdict they did, had virtually discharged the man. He thought it was only fair that some evidence should be taken.

Sergeant-Major O'Grady said that the prisoner was not charged before the Coroner's jury. .< Mr Brassey said it* looked very much like it when the prisoner was present at the enquiry under arrest, and was asked if he wished to cross-examine the witnesses. If the Bench decided to grant the remand, he trusted they would express an opinion as to the doubtful necessity of such' frequent remands.* ' Sergeant-Major O'Grady said Mr Brasse'y's application was a most unusual one. This was the first remand asked for.

Mr Brassey said he was sorry to hear the Sergeant Major express himself thus. His application had frequently been made iv criminal cases. He did not think it right that the prisoner should be badgered about from pillar to post, without any prirna facie case against him. The Bench remanded the case until Thursdny, the 24th instant, saying that as Mr Kenrick had commenced the case it was better he should continue it. PETTY LARCENY. A young lad of fifteen was charged with stealing 2s 6d, the property of Mr J. M. Mennie.

Accused pleaded guilty. Mr Mecoie stated that he had for some time lost money, and, suspecting the accused, placed some.marked coins in the till. Prisoner was observed to take one from it the other day

The Bench sentenced the prisoner to 7 days' imprisonment, without hard labour.

Court adjourned