THEFT FROM SHIP

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 230, 29 September 1942, Page 4

THEFT FROM SHIP

CIGARETTES TAKEN

WATERSIDER FINED £10

The theft of eight packets of cigarettes, value at 4/, from an American ship was admitted by Albert Oliver Dufty, aged 34, a waterside worser, when he appeared before Mr. J. Morling, S.M., in the Police Court this morning. Senior Detective Walsh said Dufty was one of a number of waterside workers employed in unloading a ship yesterday. A sailor who was posted to watch the cargo saw Dufty acting suspiciously and found the cigarettes concealed in his socks. "At least 22 cartons of cigarettes had been broached on this snip," added Mr. Walsh. "Dufty has been a watersider for the last five yecfrs, and as far as we know he has not previously been in trouble."

Sudden Temptation

Mr. Fawcett, who appeared for Dufty, said the accused had not pillaged the cigarettes, but found the eight packets on a raft. Unfortunately, Dufty had succumbed to sudden temptation. Apart from the penalty that the Court would impose. Dufty would be severely punished because under the rules of the union he would be kept off the wharves for a long period and would be unable to follow his usual occupation. He was a married man with three children and had previously borne an unblemished reputation. "We all know that cargo brought here from overseas comes over in peril, therefore the theft of such cargo is a grave matter," said Mr. Morling. 'It is sad to find a man life Dufty, wno has a family and until now a good reputation, before this Court on a charge of theft. After a great deal of hesitation I have decided I will not send him to gaol. Apparently the theft was not contemplated or cunningly devised. That's why I'm not sending him to prison."

Dufty was fined £10.