SIXTY YEARS IN PRISON.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 177, 28 July 1928, Page 3 (Supplement)

SIXTY YEARS IN PRISON.

HARSH SENTENCES FOR PETTY THEFTS. That he had spent 60 years of his life in prison, all for small offences, was the statement made by George Lawrence (84), a homeless liawker. who was charged at West London Police Court with stealing an overcoat and an umbrella from a house. '"Lawrence has 38 previous convictions ngainst him.'' said a detective. "He has served two sentences Of ten years' penal servitude each, one for stealing some forks and the other for stealing a box.'' "You came in under the old style of things." said Mr. B rod rick; the magistrate, •'when they gave ten years' penal servitude for very little." '"That is true, sir." said Lawrence. "It, is really a case of kleptomania with me. though I do not suppose that you will believe that. Penal servitude in those da"s was different from what it is now. Then they would kill you if you did not work. "Well, somehow T came through it all. and I worked hard. I have never been married. I do not drink. I can still see without glasses, and I can live on £1 a week where another man would want £2." Mr. Brodrick: Well, I think the best place for you would be the prison infirmary, so 1 shall sentence you to six months' hard labour. George Brown who appeared at Highgate Police Court under the Prevention of Crimes Act, stated that he hod spent 45 years in prison. Brown had been found behaving suspiciously with a jemmy in his possession. Inspector Burgess said that Brown's sentences were mostly for housebreaking. lie was now sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment.