A CITY ROBBERY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 301, 20 December 1928, Page 9

A CITY ROBBERY.

SHOP ENTERED BY SKYLIGHT.

VALUABLE SERGE STOLEN.

TWO MEN SENT FOR TRIAL.

Each pleading not guilty and reserving their defence, Bertie John Christian (27), a grocer, and Kenneth Malcolm McDonald (-12), a waterside worker, charged with breaking and entering the warehouse of Jack Robinson, Welleeley Street, on December 11. and stealing a bok and a half of serge, valued at £-57 17/6, appeared to-day at the Police Court, and were committed to the Supreme Court for trial at the next sessions.

Chief Detective Hammond prosecuted. Mr. J. J. Sullivan represented Christian, and Mr. Fennell appeared for McDonald. Lengthy evidence was given by a number of witnesses. Mr. Robinson said his shop was entered through the skylight. A Vincent Street boardinghouse keeper eaid that on Monday, December 10, Cnristian called and aeked her if she wanted to buy a piece of material. McDonald wae with him. The next morning about eight o'clock, Christian rturned with three pieces of blue serge, which he offered her as a bargain. Witness did not remember exactly howmuch s-he gave him for the serge, but it was either £3 or £4. Witness identified both men at a parade held at the police station. The serge wae seized by Detective Moon.

A domestic employed by the previous witness gave similar evidence.

Evidence that he saw Christian carrying the serge in a white paper parcel was given by another witness.

Mr. Sullivan cross -examined the two female witnesses at some length, concerning the identification parades. After the men had been committed, Mr. Sullivan asked for bail for. Christian, Mr. Fennell making a similar application on behalf of McDonald.

"I allowed Christian bail only a few weeks ago, when he was before me charged with breaking and entering another warehouse," said Mr. F. K. Hunt. "And now, while out on bail, he ie arrested on another charge of breaking and entering. Xo bail for him, or McDonald either." Mr. Fennell then eaid that McDonald was a married man with three children, and that he desired to be with hU family for Christmas. "They can both stay in," said Mr. Hunt, in refusing bail.