PLEA CHANGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 25, 31 January 1933, Page 12

PLEA CHANGED.

BANKRUPT'S BOOKS.

EXTRAVAGANCE CHARGE.

RECORD AT HENDERSON. As a sequel to his bankruptcy last year, Thomas George Vincent (37), carpenter, appeared again in the Police Court this morning on three charges brought under the Bankruptcy Act. Vincent was charged that, "having been adjudged bankrupt on June 24, 1D32, lias by extravagance and drunkenness brought about his bankruptcy," and between August, 1031, and February 8, 1932, with intent to conceal the true state of affairs, wilfully omitted to keep proper books or accounts, and a third charge of failing to keep books of accounts disclosing his financial position. Mr. V. N. Hubble, of the Crown Solicitor's office, prosecuted on behalf of the Official Assignee. Mr. Hubble saiu. he would have to bo guided by the way Vincent pleaded to the charges. If he pleaded guilty, the case could be tried by the magistrate summarily, but if he intended to plead not guilty application would have to be made for a remand to call evidence. Vinceiit eaid he would plead guilty to the first and third charges, but not guilty to the charge which alleged that he had not kept books in order to conceal his affairs. There was no concealment, he said. Mr. Hubble: In that case, sir, I will withdraw that charge and proceed with the other two. Drawing of Cheques. Mr. Hubble said Vincent was adjudicated bankrupt on a creditor's petition on June 24, 1932. The amount involved in the bankruptcy was not large, merely £100. There were no assets, and no books had been kept, all information having to be obtained from the bank statements. These showed that from August, 1931, to February 8, 1932, Vincent had handled an amount of £472. There were no records to show where this money had gone, except that 27 cheques, totalling £200, all payable to bearer or cash, had been drawn. Vincent said he only allowed £3 per week for himself. Mr. Hubble added that most of the debts were for timber. When Vincent was paid for a contract, instead of paying his timber account, he used the money himself. "Vincent says in a sworn statement that he does not know what became of the money," said Mr. Hubble. "'I either lost the rest of the money or drank it away,' he says in his statement. The main feature of this case is that he drew 27 cheques himself for * more money than he obviously wanted for himself during the particular period." Not Allowed on Property. Vincent: I asked the Official Assignee to get the papers and books from a shed at Henderson. I was not allowed on the property there. Mr. McKean asked Vincent if he had anything to say as to why he did not keep any books. "The papers and books were in the shed," said Vincent. Mr. McKean: Then you did keep some books, then?—l kept a record. "Well, why have you pleaded guilty to such a charge?" Vincent: I did not plead guilty to that.

Mr. McKean: You did, but I will give you an opportunity of withdrawing your plea, if you wish. Accused then withdrew his plea, and the case was further remanded until Thursday.