"HAD HIS CHANCE."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 288, 5 December 1929, Page 11

"HAD HIS CHANCE."

SALESMAN SENT TO GAOL 1 . CASHED VALUELESS CHEQUESDECIDED TO TAKE A RISK. A salesman, Earl John C. Craven, aged 24, was put forward for sentence at the Police Court this morning on a charge of obtaining £3 on October 15 by means of a valueless cheque. Mr. Smyth, who appeared for accused, made a strong plea for probation or that a fine be imposed, but the magistrate considered it a case for imprisonment, and consigned Craven to gaol. Mr. Smyth stated that the Probation Officer at Wellington had reported unfavourably on accused. However, counsel said (he did not think the case was one for imprisonment either in the interests of society or of Craven. It was true that several cheques were dishonoured when first tendered to the bank, but they Jiad been met by accused afterwards. Formerly Craven worked for a Wellington firm, which agreed to pay his expenses into his banking account. There had been considerable trouble between Craven and his employers over some cheques. Mr. Smyth said that Craven's employers repudiated a verbal undertaking concerning some money which they had agreed to pay him. Craven was not sure whether the money lhad been paid into his account when he issued the cheques, but he took the risk. "There is no question of concealment or evasion on Craven's part," continued Mr. Smyth, "because he cashed the cheques with men who knew him and knew where to find him again. Since his arrest on this charge Craven has paid the money which he obtained by the cheque." Counsel said Major Holmes, of the Salvation Army, recommended . another chance for Craven, whom he had known for 16 years. Craven's parents were most respectable residents of Palmers-, ton North. "Major Holmes told me about this. man," eaid the magistrate, "but listen to what the Wellington Probation Officer has to say about Craven. He says he did not report regularly and that he was untrustworthy. He says further that it would be wasting time to give him a further term of probation." "Now," said Mr. Hunt, S.M., "it_ is my duty to support the probation officers in such matters. Craven has ■had his chance before. He knew the cheques could not be cashed. Perhaps lie trusted to his father paying up for him. I had thought of giving him six months' imprisonment, but I wjll cut that in ■half, because he has paid up for the cheque. Craven is sentenced to three months' imprisonment."