SENTENCES FOR THEFT.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 114, 16 May 1929, Page 27

SENTENCES FOR THEFT.

TWO WAIKATO CASES. YOUTH'S LAX BRINGING UP. (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, Wednesday. A sentence of three months' imprisonment was imposed on Walter Leonard De Lacey (3G), of Ohaupo, by Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., to-day on fourteen charges of theft involving a total of £20 16/11. Senior-sergeant Sweeney stated that accused was employed as a, van driver and collector by Mr. Harold Ruben Horscroft, baker, of Ohaupo, from December to May. Accused appropriated the sums of money set out in charges, and failed to account for them. It was only through a customer interviewing Horscroft and disputing the payment of an account that the defalcations were discovered. Constable Hooker, of Te Awamutu, said accused gave himself up. He spent most of his money on drink. Accused pleaded guilty to all charges and his worship said there were no mitigating circumstances. Thefts from an employer were much more serious than thefts from other people, because the employer placed confidence and trust in tho employee. William Leslie Yeale (ISJ), was given two years Borstal for a series of thefts from farmers for whom accused worked at Matamata and Walton. In course of evidence it was shown that accused was separated from his parents at 12 years of age, and was four years at the Salvation Army Home, Putaruru. The magistrate said the youth wanted discipline, and he could not commit him to probation. It was obvious that he was a victim of lax upbringing.