THEFT OF PETROL

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 217, 13 September 1930, Page 11

THEFT OF PETROL

VQUTH GR&MTEO PRQBHT(G^

WiIEiKKSTC 13SS> ISS&Slttn

IMPRISONED FOR THREE DAYS.

Ernest "William Jupp, a, mechanic^ aged IT {Mr. Dickson), appeared in. "the Police Court to-day for sentence ca two / charges of stealing 50 g&Sona of bentitne, I of a total ralne of £10, the property of Gyril Parker.

Chief Detective Hammoad said accost -was a. "bowser attendant at "Mi. that in one case the meter oi a. petrol pump had been interfered with. Over a period there was a big shortage, of petrol, which shortage, Mr. Parker, on checking the cash takings "with the metersj found to be over 2000 gallons.

"Accused is the eldest oi a family of eight," continued the chief detective, "and has been brought up in a decent home."

"The boy is only 17 years of age, and this is the first time he has appeared in Court," said Mr. Dickson. "He is not charged "with. the, thett ot ■the missing 2000 gallons of petrol, and I ask yonr Worship to disabuse your mind that le is responsible." Aecnsed was responsible only for tie 100 gallons, to the theft of /which, he had pleaded guilty. Aecnsed had had a car for the past two months, ,and he mid his friends did a lot of joyriding in that period.

°EQs father has now taken complete control over Mm," said Mr. Dickson, in making a plea that the terms of probation be extended to accused.. ■

tK What do you mean when you say that Ms father has taken control of him?" asked Mr. W. IL Woodward, SJM.

"Well, accused has. been allowed a good deal of latitude in the eveningsi" answered Mr. Biekson, "but he wilt be kept under control now. He has learnt his lesson, having been in gaol since Tuesday." , ;■;•

The Magistrate: Is,it necessary that he should drive a car ?

Mr. Dickson: Yes. He is a motor apprentice and is continually testing cars. If he is deprived of his license his chances of getting work will be smalL I understand that his employer is willing to take Mm hack: again.

"I have made inquiries unfl cannot ascertain how such a large amount joi petrol came to be mrssTng. There seems to have been laxity at the garage," said the probation officer, Mr. W. J. Campbell, suggesting that- accused should be placed on probation. "

The magistrate said ihe woold do as Mr. Campbell suggested, and placed Jupp on- probation'.for tiro years. He ordered, him to make HG restitution.