HOTEL "BARBER."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 216, 12 September 1929, Page 8

HOTEL "BARBER."

bedroom thief caught.

PROBATION IMPOSSIBLE

ROBERTS GETS SIX MONTHS

Arthur John Roberts, aged 24, a motor driver, described by the police as a "bad bedroom thief," was sentenced to six months' imprisonment at the Police Court this morning.

Roberts pleaded guilty to six charges of stealing jewellery, clothing and money of a total value of £35 18/.

G'liief Detective Hammond said Roberts had stolon, the articles and money from various hotels in Auckland between August 8 and September 2. Roberts' method was to stay one night at the hotels and steal from bedrooms. "He is a bad bedroom tliief, and has previously been convicted, receiving one month's imprisonment for taking a car," added Mr. Hammond. Mr. Noble, who represented accused, said Roberts came to New Zealand four years ago. Some time ago lie received a head injury in a motor car accident near Rotorua. Possibly that affected his mind. Counsel, while admitting that the offences were irritating offences, said that all the property had been recovered except tho money. Accused would make restitution if he was admitted to probation.

"Probation is impossible," said Mr. Hunt. "If lie had stolen on sudden temptation once or had even stolen twice, I might grant probation, but ho is a real hotel barber and has stolen on at least six occasions. I intended to give him six montlis' on each of two charges, making them cumulative, but I will halve that- and give him six months."