Magistrate’s Court Youth Convicted On Two Of Four... (Press, 14 May 1963)

On 14 May 1963, the Magistrate's Court dealt with several cases involving youth and crime, the most notable being the conviction of 19-year-old Bradley George Stockdale. He was charged with assaulting a police constable, resisting arrest, damaging property, and behaving disorderly following an incident at the Plaza Milk-bar in Cathedral Square on 10 April. Although Stockdale pleaded not guilty to all charges, he was convicted of disorderly behaviour and fined £10. Additionally, he faced a future sentence related to the assault charge, while the other charges were dismissed. Testimony revealed Stockdale had aggressively confronted customers and resisted arrest, even causing damage at the police station. The presiding magistrate noted procedural issues in how the police handled the situation, suggesting that their approach contributed to the escalation of events. In another case, Violet Watson, 49, faced seven charges of false pretences after obtaining goods worth £303 from various shops by fraudulently claiming to be associated with other individuals’ accounts. She pleaded guilty and was remanded on bail for sentencing on 20 May. Two young men, Dennis Eric Angove, 19, and Bryce Alan Carson, 21, were implicated in breaking into cars and stealing three shotguns and other items valued at £111. They both pleaded guilty and were remanded in custody until 20 May. Patrick Keane, 30, and Duncan Davidson Runciman, 29, pleaded guilty to fighting in the street. Keane was fined £4, while Runciman received a £3 fine. They admitted their fight resulted from an argument in a hotel. Edward Francis Clarke, 32, a waiter, pleaded guilty to stealing a coffee percolator from the Flamingo Restaurant and was fined £12, with an order for restitution of £8. This theft occurred around late March. Colin Thomas, 20, was fined £20 for using obscene language and behaving disorderly after a private event in Springston. William John Provis, 20, pleaded guilty to burglary and was remanded on bail for sentencing, while Ronald Alan Peters, 27, faced consecutive sentences for forgery, with the court treating it as a minor issue given his current imprisonment. Several cases were either adjourned or remanded, including those of Alwyn Keith Aldridge and John Victor McGuire on burglary and loitering charges, respectively. Other individuals, charged with assault, being drunk, and other offences, were similarly remanded, indicating a busy court session focused on various minor crimes in the community. Overall, the court addressed various issues of youth behaviour, false claims, and minor criminal activities, with the Magistrate emphasising the importance of proper police procedure in law enforcement situations.

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