THEFT OF STATE FUNDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 45, 23 February 1927, Page 12

THEFT OF STATE FUNDS.

GIRL OF EIGHTEEN CHARGED.

JUDGE CHANTS i ROBATION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday

Having pleaded guilty to five charges of theft as a servant, involving 'an amount of £43.. a girl, aged IS vearsrwho was formerly in the Government emplov. appeared for sentence before the Chief •Tustice, Sir Charles Skcrrett, in the Supreme Court to-dav.

Mr. \V. E. Leicester, who appeared for the girl, said there were not many cases where girls of the age of accused had such responsibility thrown on them as the prisoner had. She was one of a family of nine and had been receiving a salary of £.5 8/ a month, and had been in sole chare of an office where considerable sums of money were lodged. Her father was a small dairy farmer.

His Honor said undoubtedly the case was a sad one. Except in special cases, judges Mould not allow probation to persons, cither male or female, who embezzled money when they were placed in a position of responsibility. The salary of accused had "nothine to do with it."

In this case the Chief Justice thought he was justified in admitting the prisoner to probation, and he said he was glad he was able to do it. The accused was young, and this lapse should not interfere with her future.

The girl was admit ited. to probation for two years and ordered to make restitution by instalments.