Kent & Sussex Courier, Wednesday 4 May 1887.

Obscene language.

Henry May pleaded guilty to using obscene language at Mount Ephraim, on the 21st ult.

P.C. Brooks stated the case. He saw defendant come out of the "Mount Emphraim Tap," and he was using bad language. Defendant was the worst for drink, and he told him he should report him. Defendant asked him if he "wanted him," and he told him he better go home. Defendant used obscene language, and said "There is half a crown; it will help you pay for the summons."

By Mr. Burton, who appeared for the defence:- When he saw defendant come out of the tap after hours there was another man with him. He went to the landlord, who told him it was all right, as he had asked the two men to stop to supper with him. He could not on a previous occasion told defendant that he could catch him coming out of the Mount Ephraim Tap" one of these nights. He should say the defendant was the worst will drink.

Mr. J. Burton said it was always disagreeable to himself to be connected with a case in which the defence he was bound to set up was diametrically opposed to the evidence of the police force. The statement gratuitously introduced into this case that the defendant was drunk was one by which he should be able to test this case, and by the evidence he should adduce on that point he asked them to judge the evidence of the constable, with regard to the obscene word alleged to be used, anyone acquainted with the mining districts knew that it was a word used as a term of endearment, while it was a term in very common use in the mouths of some people. His client was a man of most respectable character.

Edwin Ridley deposed that they came out of the "Mount Emphraim Tap," and at the same top of the lane saw the constable, who said "Hullo, Harry; I have got you this time." He told the constable they had been there to supper, it being then about 11:30, and the constable on going down to the house was told the same thing by the landlord. They were both perfectly sober. The constable said he should report them. Some conversation followed, in which he said to the constable they had done nothing wrong, and he should not report them. He admitted one obscene term was used, but denied others alleged by the constable.

By Superintendent Embery:- He had had a caution from the police.

Amos Adams deposed that he lodged at the "Mount Ephriam Tap."

On the night in question the defendant and Ridley left the tap sober.

By Superintendent Embury:- He asked the man to stop.

The Chairman said it was admitted that obscene language was used. A long story had been set up as to the sobriety of the defendant, and which they were asked to discredit the whole statement of the constable. The policeman was a well-known member of the force, of whose respectability they had the greatest confidence. He told his story very clearly and plainly, and it was only right to say that they entirely believed the constable's statement.

Defendant was fined 5s. and 11s. costs.