SHOPLIFTING CASE.

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

SHOPLIFTING CASE.

WOMAN FOR SENTENCE.

"As this unfortunate woman never tried to dispose of any of the stolen goods, all of which have been recovered in good order, and as she did not wear them, this is probably a real case of kleptomania," submitted Mr. Aekins, in the Police Court this morning, on behalf of Alice Mary Steane, aged 38.

Mrs. Steane pleaded jruilty to 12 charges of stealing a variety of goods of a total value of £43 6/ from several shops in the city during the last 12 months.

Detective-Sergeant McHugh said accused was detected on Friday afternoon stealing in a city etore* and when taken to the office a kit bag. frock, rubber raincoat and swimming suit, of a total value of £4 13/ were found in her bag. Subsequently her home in Takapuna. was searched by the police and the other stolen goods were discovered. Mrs.. Steane was quit; frank and pave the police every assistance. She had a daughter of 12. "This woman has had a lot of worry, but she has been stealing since September of last year," said Mr. McHugh. "The stolen goods are in good order and can be returned."

Mr. Aekins said the case w*» extremely distressing, for accused had been under strong emotional stress. She could not give any explanation of the thefts.

The magistrate remanded the woman until Wednesday for sentence and called for a full report from the probation officer.