LABOURER'S THEFTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 233, 1 October 1936, Page 18

LABOURER'S THEFTS.

STOLE FROM BENEFACTOR. LONG LIST OF CONVICTIONS. Not long out of gaol after serving a sentence, Thoralf Oswald George Knudson, aged 55, a. labourer, was sent to prison for six months by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday on one of three charges of theft. Knudson admitted the theft of an overcoat valued at £1 5/ and a hat valued at £1 10/ on August 30, and on September 22 a suitcase and contents valued at £9 5/ belonging to Olaf Arstin. Detective-Sergeant McHugh said Knudson was staying at a Hobson Street boardinghouse in August last. He was ejected because' he was drinking and had not paid his board. Before leaving he stplo a.n overcoat belonging to an old-age pensioner and a hat belonging to a man who was on sustenance. He was later given free board and lodgings by Olaf Arstin and his family for five days. "On the morning of the fifth day he got up early and stole Mr. Arstin's suitcase and some clothing and then left," said Mr. McHugh. "It was a mean theft. Knudson has 43 previous convictions. I have nothing to say in his favour, for he seems to be an habitual thief. Charitable people look after him, and this is the way he repays them." Knudson was convicted and discharged on the two first counts and sentenced to six months' imprisonment on the third charge.