MANY CHARGES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 11, 14 January 1943, Page 6

MANY CHARGES

DISHONESTY RECORD JUDGE REFUSES PROBATION Sentence of 12 months' reformative detention was passed by Mr. Justice Fair in the Supreme Court to-day upon Norman Lester Ruscoe, aged 33, farmer, who pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary, one charge of theft from a dwelling and 27 charges of theft. Mr. G. Skelton, counsel for prisoner, said Ruscoe had committed the thefts to alleviate the distress of his wife and children. Prisoner was not strong mentally, and had had no home life after he was 18 years of age. He had married and was an excellent husband and father, and most of the articles were household goods. Mr. S. Gleal, appearing for the Crown, also said the prisoner was a good husband and had been happy with his wife. When interviewed by the police he had given every occi ctatl r»P His Honor said he realised that . any punishment meted out to prisoner would also fall upon his wife and family. Prisoner was of xweak character, but in offences of the kind "which extended over nearly 12 months it was impossible to m-ant probation. It was a case of deliberate dishonesty, and prisoner was liable to be declared an habitual criminal, as he had previous convictions. However, that declaration would net be made.