New Britain herald., 1927-12-29
LOSE s2,50O NOTE,
 ENTER H00CH FIELD
Couple Try to Recoup by Open-
 ing Home to Trade

4 new excuse for violating the li- auor laws was offered by Attorney 5. J. Monkiewicz, representing John Bastek. aged S9, and his wife, Mrs. Anna Bastek. aged S2 of S6 Rhodes street. in police court today. The charge against the husband was nolled on an agreement that the woman plead guilty and Attorney Monkiewicz told Judge Roche that some time ago the couple made d szeable loan on note and were un- able to collect IL because they lost he note, and the party benetitlng gy the loan refused 10 meet the oblt- cation. After court. the attorney said the amount was approximately s2500.
 Whether or not Bastek was aware that his wife was selling liquor at nome while he was at work in the factory, the attorney could not state, but he called the attention Of the court to the fact that the couple re- gently purchased their home and are under heavy financial strain, In view Of all the circumstances, and the assurance that the police will not be bothered further by liquor law violation in the Bastek home, the attorney asked for lentency. Judge Roche imposed fine of Sl5O and costs and a suspended jail sen tence of 30 days on the woman, re- marking that he was taking into consideration her plea Of guilty and the fact that 1t was her first offence.
 Sergeant r. J. O'Mara testified that he and Sergeant NJ. J. Flynn searched the Bastek home about 10 q. m. on December 22, having re- ceived complaints from the officer on the beat. and they uncovered several gallons of alcohol and a number Of bottles in various parts of the house. Neighbors Of the Basteks were in court. having told the po- lice they had seen liquor served to men on several occasions. but their testimony was not needed because of Mrs Bastek's plea of guilty.
 After the cases were disposed of, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney w. M. Greenstein moved for condemna- ton of the liquor taken by the po- ice, and Attorney Monkiewicz offer d no objection. Judge Roche order d 1t destroyed. After court, Bastel1 asked Sergeant O'Mara for shot of the liquor before it was thrown away but the sergeant told him the police were not allowed to distribute confiscated evidence.
 Blames Drink for Row at Home
 John Cunningham, aged 40, Of 53S East Main street, pleaded guilty to the charge of breach Of the peace and assaulting his wife. Mrs. Gun ningham testified that he has been drinking heavily for the past several days and yesterday he assaulted her. They have been married 22 years.
 Cunningham admitted that drink was the cause of the trouble. The factory where he is employed i6 shut down for 10 days and he has
 
 Roche imposed suspended jail sen- tence Of 10 days and placed him on probation.
 Officer George Moffitt made the arest about o'clock yesterday aft ernoon on complaint.
 Drives Cycle Without License
 Robert Ross, aged IT, of 355 Arch street. pleaded guilty to the charge of operating q motor vehicle without a license and was fined s1O and costs. He admitted that he never had license although he was aware that he was required by law to have one.
 Officer Hanford Dart testified that he was notified about 4:SO yesterday afternoon that a motorcycle oporat- cd by Ross almost struck a car on Arch street and when he asked Ross for his license the latter was unable 10 produce 1t.