SIX MONTHS' GAOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 180, 1 August 1925, Page 14

SIX MONTHS' GAOL.

UNDISCHARGED BANKRUPT.

CHARGE OF FALSE PRETENCES.

Sentence of six months' imprisonment was passed on Herbert Adolphus Ladbrook (Mr. D. L. Bone) in the Supreme Court vpsterday afternoon, on a charge of obtffning a motor truck, valued at £400, by meanß of false pretences. Concurrent sentences of one month were imposed in respect of charges of obtaining credit for £400 and £41 6/8 without disclosing that he was an undischarged bankrupt. The jury found accused guilty on all counts, after considering their verdict for half an hour. They recommended mercy on account of Ladbrook's family circumstances.

There were seven children in the family, the eldest son being 17$ years of age, said Mr. Bone, in asking for leniency. Counsel suggested that Ladbrook's conduct had been more foolish than criminal. Great hardship would be inflicted on the family if a substantial sentence were imposed. His Honor said it was always the innocent who suffered. The jury had suggested leniency simply out of consideration for the family. His Honor felt that the circumstances must influence him in passing sentence. While he had to inflict a penalty that would det#- anybody inclined to these fraudulent practices, he did not wish to inflict one that would press hard on his children.