GIRL CHARGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 113, 14 May 1937, Page 3

GIRL CHARGED.

FALSE STATEMENT.

DREW ON IMAGINATION

IRRESPONSBLE, SAYS S.M,

Jessie Reid, aged 19. who put the police to a good deal of trouble by styling that while riding a bicycle she had been knocked down by a motor car, appeared on summons in the Police Court this morning. She pleaded guilty to a charge of making a false statement to the police.

Sub-Inspector Fox said that on the morning of April 14 Constable Mahoney, of Grey Lynn, received a message from the factory where the girl was employed stating that she had met with an accident while riding her bicycle. Constable Mahoney interviewed the girl, who alleged she had been knocked off her bicycle by a motor car which did not stop after it hit her. "In a three-page statement taken by the constable this gill gave a detailed description of the car, and also the driver," said Mr. Fox. ''The constable made inquiries and went to the school, where he ascertained that a small boy, while riding a cycle, had collided with the machine ridden by the girl. Two days later defendant. when next seen by the constable, then admitted that her first story was false. She added that ■ h<? did not know why she made a false statement."

Defendant had never been in any trouble before. She was regarded as a pood worker, but not as a truthful i fi'son. The mother of defendant told the magistrate that her daughter suffered from nerves, and probably did not realise what she was doing' when she gave the statement to the constable. Liable to Fine. '"This girl seems to be a very irresponsible, young pirl." said Mr. c! H. Orr Walker, S.M. -She probably does not realise that for committing such an offence she is liable to a line or three months' imprisonment.''

Speaking again, Sub-Tnspeetor Fox said he had just been informed by another constable that the girl, some time ago. actually met with an accident in which a motor car was. involved.

"Yes. but on this occasion she has been drawing on her imagination." said the magistrate. "There i>s evidently some defect in her make-up. However, this is not a case for punishment. She will be ordered to come up for sentence if called hjkhi within three months."

The magistrate suggested to Adjutant Hope Hart, woman probation officer, that she might have a chat with tlip "irl and point out tlie extrejne foolishness of licr action.