GIVEN A CHANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 113, 16 May 1939, Page 13

GIVEN A CHANCE.

YOUNG ESCAPEE.

. NO INCREASE IN SENTENCE,

(From Our Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, Monday,

Following his fourth escape from custody. Robert Clarence Clarke, aged 19. appeared before Mr. Justice Smith in the Supreme Court to-day for sentence mi two charges of breaking and entering and theft, three of unlawfully converting motor cars, and one of escaping from custody. He was sentenced to one year's reformative detention on each charge, to be concurrent with his present term. liobert Toombs, IS, who was associated with Clarke in breaking and entering and two of the conversions, was admitted to probation for three years Mr. Hardie Boys appeared for Clarke and Mr. Hanna for Toombs. Mr. Boys said Clarke had a persecution complex and it would assist his mental attitude if the Court imposed a sentence that would not add to hie present term. His Honor said Clarke appeared to have made a habit of escaping, with the result that his accumulated sentences now totalled six years from last September. After his last escape he committed the offences and induced the other prisoner to join him. He, might think at times that he had not been treated fairly, but he must get the firm convict ion that he was responsible for what he did. He might yet make a success of his life, and with that hope the Court would not increase the Benfence at present being served.

In regard to Toombs. His Honor said he accepted the view that he had been led awny by Clnrke. A condition of his probation was that he should reside nenr his parents and restore any stolen property.