TO BE SENTENCED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 191, 26 May 1934, Page 7

TO BE SENTENCED

GARAGE ROBBERY UNDER ARMS.

TWO MEN ADMIT OFFENCE.

(Per Press Association». INVERCARGILL, May 25. The hold-up of a garage attendant at Eden dale on May 11 with a sawnoff .303 rifle had a sequel in the Magistrate’s Court this morning before Mr E. C. Levvey, S.M., when George William Wheeler (aged 26), and 1 Garnet Edward Cranstoun, aged 20 (Mr Gordon Reed) appeared on remand, charged with robbing Douglas Stewart Findlay. They were also charged Avith steal ing a moto-ear valued at £IOO, the property of David Grindlay, on Ma.A 11, and of breaking - and entering the Defence Department’s store at the drill hall on May 3, and committing a crime therein.

Acting-Detective J.- W. Hill gave evidence on a statement made by Wheeler, who said that he alone Avas responsible for the offences, but he had since admitted that Cranstoun Avas Avith him. Witness read a statement from Wheeler, in Avhich he admitted committing several thefts in, Invercargill, the offence at the drill hall, the theft of the car, and the Edendale hokl-up. Detective-Sergeant HeAvitt. and Avitness intervieAved Cranstoun, who made a statement admitting his share in the offences. Both accused pleaded guilty, and AA'ere committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail Avas not gianted. Wheeler was also charged Avith breaking and entering the dwellinghouse of William John Robertson by night, Avith intent to commit a crime. Accused pleaded guilty and Avas com-r mitted to the Supreme Court for sentence.

Accused, who elected to be dealt Avith summarily, pleaded guilty to charges of the theft from cars of a typeAvriter, a ,22 rifle, a fishing outfit, a sheath-knife, and a case of dental and medical appliances. He >vas convicted and remanded - for sentence. An order Avas made for the return of the stolen property.