"A MENACE."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 39, 16 February 1928, Page 8

"A MENACE."

ffAW WHO TOOK MOTOR OAR. AND DROVE AT TERRIFIC SPEED. "A man like this is a menace in any town," said Senior Sergeant Cummings •bout Henry John Thackwell (41), who came before Mr. P. K. Hunt, 3.M., at the Police Court to-day.

Thackwell, a man of rather unkempt appearance, pleaded guilty to charges of converting a motor car valued at | £150 to his own use, procuring liquor 'while prohibited, and of failing to produce hie driver's license when requested by the police. The facts, as outlined by the senior sergeant, were that yesterday, about 4 am., Mr. Collier, a traveller for L. S. axwcll and Co., left his motor car outside the Arm's premises while he transacted some business. Half an hour later he discovered that the car had been removed. He notified the police and all suburban stations were asked to look out for the missing car. Last night Mr. Collier was with Constable McOlone in Mount Albert Road when the car was observed being driven by Thackwell at a terrific speed. The constable and Mr. Collier gave chase and Thackwell was arrested as he stepped ont of the car in Ponsonby. When searched a key to fit a switch was found upon him. Thackwell had previously been convicted of 'theft, mischief and breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime, and assault.

"Three months' imprisonment on the first charge—that's as much as I can give him," said Mr. Hunt. Accused was convicted and discharged on tho other two charges.