64 N.Y.S. 2 | N.Y. App. Div. | 1900
The relator herein was charged with conduct unbecoming an officer, the specifications in substance being that on November 14,1897, he entered the back room of a café on Allen street, in the city of New York, and accosted one Hoses Abramsky and, after arousing him from a sleep, took from his pocket a gold watch, chain and locket, which on demand he refused to deliver. By the return to the writ, it ■appears that, at the termination of the trial or hearing, the relator’s record was considered by the commissioners in addition to the testimony on the trial, and the relator was found guilty.
We have had frequent occasion to state the rule that although the record of an officer on trial may be introduced in evidence and considered upon the question of his punishment, it is not to be considered upon the question of his guilt; and that it is violative of the
It here appears by the return to the writ that at the termination of the trial, without the record having been introduced in evidence, it was considered by the commissioners upon the question of the relator’s guilt. For the error thus committed, there should be a new trial before the commissioners.
The proceedings should be annulled and a new trial ordered, without costs.
Yam Brunt, P. J., Rumsey, Patterson and McLaughlin, J.J.,. concurred.
Proceedings annulled, and new trial ordered, without costs.