RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. LAWRENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 327, 4 February 1874, Page 3

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT. LAWRENCE.

(Before E. H. Carew, Esq., E.M.) Friday, January 30th. Police v. John Wilson alias Barney. This case had been remanded from last Tuesday. Inspector Thompson appeared for the police ; Mr. M'Coy for the prisoner. Mr. M'Coy stated that on the last day on which he appeared for the prisoner, he knew nothing of the facts, having only heard that the prisoner required his services a short time before the Court opened, and when he was occupied in attending to another matter. He had seen the prisoner since, and he would a9k the Court to allow him (the prisoner) to plead " guilty " to the charge, and deal with it in a summary manner. His Worship having called some evidence and elicited that the' value of the property stolen was under £10, acquiesced with the report of prisoner's counsel. After the usual caution had been read to him (the prisoner) he pleaded guilty. Mr. M'Coy then addressed the Court in mitigation of punishment. He adverted to the carelessness with which the money had been kept. The prisoner had access to the room, and had been allowed to see the money in the box.. The chance of detection seemed small anl this temptation had been thrown in his 'vray when his mind was debased and unhinged by several weeks of hard drinking ; under those circumstances ho might do that which, under others, he would feel very much ashamed to do. He was not even sober at the time. This of course was no excuse in law, but might have some effect on the punishment to be inflicted. The prisoner on coming to his senses confessed his guilt. Counsel did not know what the antecedents of the prisoner were, if good so much the better, if otherwise there was the evidence even of his accuser, Mr. Roberts, that for the last three years or so that he had known him, he had the reputation of boing an industrious and honest roan. The Court had the power of sentencing him to twelve months hard labour, but for the reasons mentioned he would ask his Worship not to inflict the full punishment. His Worship said that some of the considerations urged by Mr. M'Coy in the prisoner's favour had much weight with him. and as he had pleaded guilty he thought a short punisliment Trould suffice ; sentenced to three month's imprisonment with hard labour in Lawrence Gaol. Ah Tony v. Ah Buck.. No appearance; case struck out.