AN ARMY DESERTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 267, 10 November 1928, Page 3 (Supplement)

AN ARMY DESERTER.

ONCE SENTENCED TO DEATH. Sentence of twelve months was passed, upon a man named Ernest. Charlton Hopkins (36), a tailor, at Bournemouth Quarter Sessions, when he pleaded guilty to, stealing clothing, th'e property of Edward Jones, a tailor, of Westhill Place, Bournemouth. Mr. J. Scott Heuderson,' prosecuting, said Hopkins presented himself to Mr. Jones saying he had very little food, and was given employment. On the morning; of August' 29 Mr. Jones left his shop, and on his return, the prisoner had absconded with the goods. -' When arrested he stated that he had disposed of some of the articles at Southampton and Portsmouth. Others were found in his possession. Supt. Deacon said. Hopkins was a native of Birmingham. He was discharged from the Army in July 1919, with a character marked "very bad." During his war service he deserted three times, aiid was convicted of larceny by Civil Court on two occasions.. On December 7. 1918, said the superintendent, Hopkins was sentenced to death by court-martial for having deserted on active service. That sentence was commuted to ten years' penal servitude, of which the prisoner served two years. ■ The superintendent proved six other convictions against the prisoner for theft in different parts of the country. There were also three other outstanding charges of theft which he asked to be. taken into consideration, two hayir- been committed in Birmingham'and one i:i London.