Case Name: COKER v. STATE
Court: Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Jurisdiction: Texas
Decision Date: 1926-03-24
Citations: 281 S.W. 572
Docket Number: No. 10043
Parties: COKER v. STATE.
Judges: 
Reporter: South Western Reporter
Volume: 281
Pages: 572–573

Head Matter:
COKER v. STATE.
(No. 10043.)
(Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas.
March 24, 1926.)
Harry Myers, of Fort Worth, for appellant
Sam D. Stinson, State’s Atty., of Austin, and Robt. M. Lyles, Asst. State’s Atty., of Groesbeck, for the State.

Opinion:
MORROW, P. J.
The offense is wife desertion; punishment fixed at a fine of $50. The evidence, though controverted, is sufficient to support the verdict.
Upon his cross-examination, appellant was required to give testimony concerning his relations with his former wife. In connection, therewith it was developed that he had sepa rated from his first wife and baby in 1919. This testimony was received over the objection of the appellant, which, we think, should have been sustained. It brought into the case a matter entirely foreign to its merits. It was wholly immaterial, and calculated to injure the accused. The testimony is such that the issue might have been decided in his favor. Therefore it cannot be said that the improper testimony would not have weight against him.
The judgment is reversed and the cause remanded.