YOUTH'S DEBTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 103, 3 May 1937, Page 8

YOUTH'S DEBTS.

PAWNED MICROSCOPE. !

HARD STRUGGLE TO PAY.

i JUDGE ORDERS DISCHARGE.

I (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) i

DUNEDIN, this day

'"You have already received far

heavier punishment than any this Court might be disposed to inflict," said Mr. Justice Kennedy, in the Supreme Court,

in directing the discharge of a young man accused of the theft, three years ago, of a. microscope belonging to the Otago University. The theft was committed while tlie accused, who is now a practising dentist in the Xorth Island, was a student, and the Crown Prosecutor agreed with the defending counsel that \t was unfortunate that this comparatively small offence should have to go to the Supreme Court merely because it was an old offence.

The Crown made no objection to the extension of the utmost leniency.

Counsel stater that accused came to the Otago University from the North when aged IS, and very foolishly wasted his first two years. 'His father was angry, but with iris mother's, help he was ahle to stay on. and applied himself diligently." In December, 1933, his mother died, this coinciding with his final examination, in which he failed. He found that if he could stay until May of the following year he could sit for a special examination. He did so, pawning his effects and living a hand-to-mouth existence. It was during this time that the microscope was pawned. Accused passed, then obtaining a Northern practice with his father's assistance. When his creditors found he had commenced practice they pressed for payment. Meantime he had married and had a child. However, he got clear of debt, but trouble overtook him when the microscope case arose.

His Honor eaid the offence was committed in circumstances of extreme pressure. This was an exceptional case in whirh the Court should exercise its power to discharge the accused.

An order was made for the suppression of the name.