MAGISTERIAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume X, Issue 2353, 14 April 1891, Page 2

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHB URTON—TUESDAY.

(Before Major Steward and A. Harrison. Esq., J.P.'s.)

LARCENY AND OBSCENE LANGUAGE. Neil Me Neil was charged with stealing one bottle of brandy and two bottles of porter, the property of John Henry, licensee of the Commercial Hotel; also with having used obscene language m a public place. He pleaded not guilty. The evidence of Mr Henry showed that accused had gone into the bar on the previous clay during his (Mr Henry's) temporary absence therefrom, and on his, witness's, return,he found accused, sitting down m the bar with a bottle of porter beside him. On searching him found a bottle of brandy, which ha recognised as his property, concealed about the prisoner who had it under his vest and fshirt. Prisoner refused to give up the bottle, and threw it down and broke it. Subsequently Constable Cleary came up and witness gave accused m charge. Constable Cleary proved the arrest of the prisoner who used obscene language while on his way to the lock-up. Thia language (which was detailed) was made use of m tones that could be readily heard by passers-by. Several previous •convictions were put m, one of them for obscene language so recent as 28th January last. Sentenced to three months' hard labor on the first charge and one month on the second.