MENTAL DEFECTIVE'S MONEY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVI, Issue 10685, 31 December 1925, Page 3

MENTAL DEFECTIVE'S MONEY

MAN CHARGED WITH THEFT. WITHDRAWAL FROM ACCOUNT. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, December 30. Certain transactions with a Post Office Savings Bank account belonging to a mental defective were investigated at the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Charles Goodman, a young man, was charged with the theft of £2lO. Sub-Inspector Kemp, who prosecuted, said that accused had been working at Petone, and had a roommate, who for some time had not been strong mentally. The evidence would show that on November 24 last, at Goodman's direction, the alleged victim drew £2OO from hie account, tbat he was mentally deficient, and that he was committed to a mental hospital. After obtaining the money Goodman and a companion went for a holiday, and did not return till December 15.

Dr. J. It. Boyd said that on November 17 the accused brought the alleged victim to witness's consulting rooms in Boulcott Street. Witness made an examination of the man, whom he found to be of unsound mind. On November 24 witness again saw him, and considered that he was not capable of appreciating a business transaction. As the man had no home, witness considered that he should be committed to a mental hospital. Evidence was also given by Dr. 0. J. Reid, who said that after making an examination he found that the alleged victim was feeble-minded. Goodman did not tell witness of the withdrawal of the money before the examination. Witness considered that the patient had the mind of a child.

William H. McGowan, carpenter, said that on November 24 witness and Goodman went into the Post Office Savings Bank with the alleged victim, who made out a form, and handed it across the counter with his book. When he received his money he gave it to Goodman, saving: "Here, take this." The party called at a bank, while Goodman went inside the premises, and then they went to see Dr. Boyd, after calling at the Magistrate's Court. A taxi was hired, and the man was taker) to Porirua Mental Hospital. Later

Goodman said he had received a present of £2OO from him. Next day witness and Goodman went for a holiday to Auckland and New Plymouth. On December 15, the day after they arrived home, Goodman was interviewed by detectives. Before seeing the detectives Goodman gave witness £2O. In reply to Mr Leicester, witness said that Goodman was the only person who would look after the man, and he did not think it was strange for Goodman to receive a present. Goodman nleaded not guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. His bail of £250 was renewed.