BANK THEFT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 190, 14 August 1933, Page 9

BANK THEFT.

HUSBAND AND WIFE.

PROBATION FOR WOMAN

HIS HONOR'S COMMENT. Strong comment on the actions of Jack Eric Robinson, aged 23, who pleaded guilty to forgery charges and attempted thefts connected with savings bank transactions was made by Mr. Justice Herdman in the Supreme Court •this morning when Robinson was sentenced to ■ three years' reformative detention. His wife, Kathleen Marjorie Robinson, aged 21, who admitted aiding and abetting her husband in an attempt to steal, was granted probation for two years. "I would bo doing a wrong if I gave you your liberty," said his Honor in sentencing Robinson. "I look upon you as probably commencing a criminal career that is likely to be dangerous. Both police officers say you are a cunning criminal with no regrets for your misdeeds. You were in a position of trust in the Savings Bank, and you abused that trust. You have stolen £201 by a trick, and-the detectives say that it was your scheme to obtain £728 for the purpose of sending your wife to Australia. There is nothing to be said in your favour-. It may be that you came under the influence of a dominating character, but the Court cannot take that into consideration in this case." Request For Probation. Mr. Julius Hogben, who appeared for Robinson, said he knew the social needs in respect of the prisoner, but he asked the Court to take into consideration the needs of tho prisoner. Counsel asked that the benefits of probation be granted Robinson. The crimes might well be attributed to the influence of a man much older than the prisoner, who had led Robinson unto every type of vice. The manager of the Auckland Savings Bank, in his evidence, had given the opinion that this influence was a very large contributing factor. "Prisoner is not yet 23 years of age," continued Mr. Hogben. "A period of imprisonment would be less likely to do good than a period of probation. A prison term might make him anti-social. If he is granted probation, it can be arranged for him to take work on a farm near Rotorua with an uncle. I suggest a period of probation on the strictest terms with a direction from the Court as to work. His parents are prepared later to put him on a farm which will eventually become his own. He has already achieved a serious sense of his responsibilities." "Husband's Coercion." His Honor told Mr. Brycc Hart, who appeared for the wife, that in her case ho proposed to grant probation. "She -comes from very respectable I understand the report of the probation officer is favourable," said Mr. Hart. "There is no doubt that what she did was done under the strong coercion of her husband." "You have ,got yourself into serious trouble," said his Honor to the young woman. "The report of Major Gordon is favourable, and it appears you acted under the influence of your husband in thieving from the savings bank."