THEFT FROM SHOP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 236, 5 October 1936, Page 9

THEFT FROM SHOP.

I TWO YOUNG SEAMEN. I PREVIOUS GOOD RECORDS. The two young seamen, Thomas James Connor, aged 20, and Brendan Christopher O'Neill, aged 21, who recently broke into the shop of Arthur Eady, Ltd., and stole musical instruments and money, were dealt with by Mr. Justice Johnston in the Supreme Court this morning. Counsel for the two prisoners, Mr. Noble, said that he could not understand why they had committed the offence. Perhaps it was the courage of youthful folly. Both of them had good reputations while at sea, and neither had been in trouble before. In consideration of this fact and their youth Mr. Noble asked that, if possible, the punishment be something that did not entail imprisonment. His Honor stated that from inquiries he had made from the probation officer what counsel had said was quite correct. So far as was known they had not been in trouble before. One thing that had to be impressed upon them was that a crime of this nature could not be lightly looked upon or tolerated in New Zealand. Generally speaking, apart from other circumstances, the punishment for the offence would be imprisonment. If the two men came before the Court again they would be sent to gaol. His Honor said he understood that arrangements had been made for the men to join a ship in November. They would be ordered to come up for sentence ir caned upon. Until they were re-employed they would be in charge of the Salvation Army. His Honor ordered that restitution be made of"the money stolen, £17.