PORTER'S LAPSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 221, 19 September 1938, Page 11

PORTER'S LAPSE.

"CONTEMPTIBLE THEFTS."

TWO FROM BLIND PEOPLE.

Three charges of stealing typewriters two valued at £13 and another at £8 9/ were admitted by a ship's steward, John Graham, aged 31, in the Tolice Court to-day. Detecfive W. Slater produced and read a statement made by Graham in which he said that while employed as a porter at the Blind Institute" he stole one machine and pawned it for £3. borrowed another from an inmate and pawned it for £2, and obtained the third on time payment and pledged it for £2, later selling the pawn ticket to the dealer for 12/6. His excuse was that he needed the money. "This man was formerly a steward on a home ship which he deserted here about six months ago," said DetectiveSergeant McHugh. "He attributes his trouble to drink, but I think he is an undesirable type to have in the country. Two of the thefts were of a mean order for he stole from blind people. Counsel added that the offences were solely due to Graham being on a drinking bout. The very fact that he gave his correct naow and address when he pawned the typewriters supported this view and showed the absence of criminal intent. "They were contemptible thefts, and it is with some hesitation that I am granting him probation," said Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M. "I think he needs some supervision, and I am admitting him to probation for two years and ordering him to make restitution of £7 12/6." Graham was prohibited from taking liquor while on probation.