CONVERTING A CAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 150, 7 April 1930, Page 4

CONVERTING A CAR.

TWO HEAVY SENTENCES. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 5. , The story of another “ converted” motor-car was unravelled at the Police Court this morning, when L. Brandon Collins, aged 26 years, a fanner, and Thomas John Higgins, "aged 47 years, a butcher, were charged with having converted to their own use a motor-ear valued at £250 belonging to George Wellesley Spencer. There was a further charge against Collins of having driven without a license. Mr Dickson pleaded guilty for Collins and not guilty for Higgins. Senior-Sergeant O’Grady told how the two men were seen yesterday driving the car from where it was parked in Hobson Street. Two of Spencer’s employees gave chase on a motor-cycle and side-car. Eventually the car was stooped and a policeman who was called arrested Collins. The other man get away, but he was arrested subsequently. Each made a statement blaming the other. Mr Dickson suggested that Collins was responsible for the escapade, as Higgins could not drive a car. Higgins was a returned soldier with a wooden leg, and he was in receipt of a pension. Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M.: They are simply any ! r of drunks. The Magistrate sentenced Collins to three months on the charge of converting the car, and recorded a conviction on the charge of driving without a license. Higgins was given the option of going to Rotoroa for 12 months or to prison for three months. He chose the Island.