"BORSTAL NO GOOD."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 232, 1 October 1929, Page 10

"BORSTAL NO GOOD."

YOUNG THIERS OFFENCES.

STOLEN CYCLES SOLD. "WANTS A MENTAL CUKE." "The Borstal is no good to this young man. Twice he has been sent there but it will never improve him," said Mr. Dickson at the Police Court this morning, when he appeared for Charles Ottokar Vincent, aged 21, a bootmaker. Vincent pleaded guilty to three charges of stealing cycles of a total value of £26 16/, a lady's handbag and contents, valued at £1 6/, a gramophone case and 35 records, worth £9, and a camera and films, valued at £2 3/9. Chief Detective Hammond'said Vincent had been staying at various- boardinghouses in Auckland. Ho stole three cycles, two of which he sold to dealers, the third being left behind at a boardinghouse. "It is hard to know what to do with Vincent," said Mr. Hammond. "In 1924 he got three years at the Borstal, then again in 1927 he was sent there for another three years' term for theft and forgery." Mr. Dickson said Vincent came to Auckland for medical attention. He had an injury to one of his fingers— Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.: It is a pity he does not lose all his fingers if he cannot keep them off other people's property. Mr. Dickson: Yes,' but unfortunately it is a mental cure he wants, I think. When very young he injured his head. He came to Auckland for medical attendance, and after spending what money he had with him, and not receiving money which he expected, he went on these mad escapades so that he could get money to pay hie board. Twice he has been to the Borstal, but Borstal is no good to him. What I would suggest is a short and sharp term of imprisonment. After looking at Vincent's record, the magistrate sentenced accused to six months' imprisonment, to be followed by two years' reformative detention. "This is a case where the Howard League of Penal Eeform might do some good," said counsel. Mr. Hunt: Well, you belong to the league, Mr. Dickson, tell them about it.