From the Courts

by Robyn Maru and others

A case of shoplifitng was heard before Mr Richardson S.M. in the Wellington Magistrate's Court. The defendant was an elderly woman and a pensioner. She removed two articles of clothing from Kirkcaldies. It was the defendant's first offence, Mr Richardson S.M. convicted the defendant but suspended sentence for 12 months.

A middle aged man appeared for sentence on a charge of attempted false pretences before Mr Richardson S.M.

The defendant found a cheque book in the street and attempted to cash a cheque for the sum of $40. The defendant was a married man and at the time of the offence in financial difficulties.

The defendant admitted that he had requested a friend to sign the cheque. The defendant had appeared on three previous occasions in the past six years. Mr Richardson S.M. imposed a penalty of $75 and ordered the defendant to pay $5 court costs. The defendant's request for suppression of name was refused.

The Wellington Magistrates Court has a new magistrate. Mr Richardson S.M. comes from Auckland Since his arrival in Wellington Mr Richardson S.M. has gained an unenvied reputation. His arrogant attitude and behaviour in court has been the subject of much criticism from lawyers. Even the police appear exacerbated at times.

A man aged 24 appeared before Mr Richardson S.M. in the Wellington Magistrate's Court. The Police Prosecutor stated that the defendant had towed a car away, spent $50 on repairs and resold it as his own.

The defendant was married with two children and had not long been in N.Z.

In view of the fact that the defendant believed it was a derelict car with no owner he was given a suspended sentence and ordered to pay $50 court costs.

Two young men appeared separately before Mr Richardson S.M. on charges of being drunk in a public place. The defendants had spent the night in the police cells. Mr Richardson S.M. takes a lenient view on people who are drunk. Each defendant was convicted and discharged.

Some years ago the police were issued with instructions Not to arrest people because they were drunk. The police were told they should endeavour to take drunk people home. It appears these instructions have fallen into disuse.