MAN UNDER BED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 205, 31 August 1933, Page 7

MAN UNDER BED.

BURGLAR IN HOUSE. SEVERAL.CHARGES ADMITTED FIFTY-FOUR KEYS. Three charges of breaking and entering dwellings and another charge of theft of a cycle valued at £2 were admitted by William Gee, aged 27, who appeared in the Police Court this morning before Mr. W. K. McKean, S.M. Gee was charged with breaking and entering the dwelling of Thomas Dickson, 10, Otarangi Road, Green Lane, on August 19, with intent to commit a crime; breaking and entering the house of Pong Hing, at Mangere, on August 18, and" stealing a Hongkong dollar, 14/ in money and 12 keys, of a total value of £1 10/; with breaking and entering the house of Ah Chew, at Mangere, on August IS, and stealing 3/ in money and a torch; and stealing a cycle valued at £2. Detective-Sergeant O'Sullivan prosecuted. Thomas Dickson, of 10, Atarangi Road, Green Lane, said he left his home at 1 p.m. on August 19. He loeked the doors and windows when he left. On returning at 4.50 p.m. he opened the front door to let his family enter and then went to put his car away in the garage. A few moments later he heard a commotion in the house, and on going to the front door found that his son had caught and held accused, who was detained until a constable arrived. There was a bicycle outside the house. A large number of keys were taken away from Gee.

David Dickson, son of the previous witness, said he returned to his father 6 house at 4.50 after a motor drive and entered the kitchen. His wife and sister went to a front room later, and witness heard one of them call out "There's a man under the bed." He went to the front of the house and saw Gee opening the front door. Accused ran outside and witness caught him down the road and brought him back. Gee tried to escape and later asked witness to let him go.

Evidence was given by Constable Marley of the arrest of Gee, who had 14 keys on one ring and another ring with four keys. Three of the keys would operate Mr. Dickson's door. Gee told witness he had only been in Auckland a few days, and that he was released from Waikeria Reformatory on July 7. Detective Knight said he interviewed Gee on August 20, when he admitted breaking and entering Mr. Dickson's house and also the theft of the cycle. Later, witness visited Gee's room, and among his effects he found 54 keys, two electric torches and a pair of dark glasses. Some of the keys had been identified as the property of Chinese witnesses. In a later interview with witness, Gee made a statement admitting the offences at Mangere. Gee pleaded guilty to all charges, and was committed to the Supreme- Court for sentence.