DRUG ADDICT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 86, 13 April 1939, Page 4

DRUG ADDICT.

"TOO GOOD FOR GAOL."

MERCIFUL MAGISTRATE.

RELEASED OH PH.OBATIOH.

(Special.—By Air Mall.) LONDON, March 25.

,l%ough he had pleaded guilty to theft a drug addict was refused the opportunity to overcome the temptation of drugs by being sent to gaol. 'I beg you to send me to gaol," he said to Alderman Sir Samuel Joseph, at Mansion House Police Court. "It may break the spell."

But Sir Samuel had heard the life story of the man, John William Walkden, a 28-year-old physical training instructor.

"Surely you can think of something better than gaol," he said. "In the first place a sentence of imprisonment would ruin the splendid character you 6till bear."

He had been charged on remand with stealing a cheque book from a master's study at St. Paul's Choir School, where he wa» employed at the time.

Detective Frank Skinner said that Walkden was educated at a grammar school. He joined the Army, and went to China in 1931.

Owing to his superior education, his colonel took an interest in him, and he obtained a position with the Chinese Government as a physical drill instructor.

Unfortunately, from the Chinese, he contracted the drug habit, and, as a result, he was invalided home in 1937.

"Walkden tells me," 6aid Detective Skinner, "he feels that if he could be sent away somewhere for a time under control, he might get the better of this awful habit."

Mr. John Brown, a probation officer, said: "I think I could help this man. I can arrange for him to have treatment." Walkden eaid he would gladly accept the offer.

Fir Samuel Joseph: That's right. Now you leave the Court a man with a splendid character. I have no doubt that with your accomplishments you will scon be in a good position again. You will be released on probation.