ON PROBATION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 78, 14 January 1936, Page 6

ON PROBATION

THEFT FROM EMPLOYERS. DRAPERS’ TRAVELLER’S LAPSE. RESTITUTION BEING MADE. (Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Described by the Chief Detective and Probation Officer as a man of unblemished reputation and well-known in the city, Thomas Bruce Absalom, a draper, aged 53, of Knowles .Street, appeared before Mr Levvey, S.M., in Court this morning, charged with the theft of sums of money totalling £ll6 from his employers, Beath and Co. Absalom pleaded guilty, and was admitted to probation for two years. Chief Detective Dunlop, in describing the circumstances of the case, said that Absalom had been employed by Beath and Co. as traveller. Prior to the present charges being brought, he had an unblemished reputation. His method was to keep two books, in one of which there were no duplicate receipt forms. Betting transactions and heavy expenses in connection with his son’s education had led him to commit the thefts. Counsel said that restitution of £IOO had been made, and the balance was ayailable for repayment. “In these cases it is not easy for the Court to take a lenient view,” said the Magistrate. “Accused" owes his present position to his own foolishness.” Oil the first charge Absalom was convicted and admitted to probation for two years, a condition being that repayment of the money should be made. Oil other charges he was convicted and discharged. , Application for suppression of accused’s name was refused.