VALUELESS CHEQUES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 234, 3 October 1932, Page 3

VALUELESS CHEQUES.

HOTELS DEFRAUDED. MAN SENT TO PRISON. TRIP WITH YOUNG WOMAN. "This man is a parasite who got among decent people," said Detective Sergeant Kelly, in the Police Court this morning, referring to Leslie Harold Calvert, aged 26, who pleaded guilty to seven charges of obtaining from hotel licensees at Gisborne, Masterton, Nelson, Rotorua and Hamilton a total sum of £01 12/9 in cash, and board and t lodgings, valued at £14 10/, for himself and a young woman, by means of valueless cheques. Detective Sergeant Kelly said Calvert had five previous convictions, his last sentence being three months last May, at Christchurch. "Calvert represented that he travelled for a Wellington firm, and after staying at various hotels he tendered cheques in payment for board and lodging and obtained cash in each instance. He was accompanied by a young woman, who posed as his wife. She resides at Takapuna, and should never have left home with Calvert." Counsel for Calvert said accused appreciated what he had done, but as he was still a young man counsel suggested that he might be given another chance. If admitted to probation ho could probably make full restitution. "What, give him a chance!" said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. "That's impossible to a man who goes through New Zealand issuing valueless cheques." Calvert was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, to be followed by two years' reformative detention.