THEFT OF BICYCLES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11875, 23 April 1904, Page 2

THEFT OF BICYCLES.

A SERIES OF CHARGES. Thomas Edward Dowdle was charged on remand at the Police Court yesterday wu.i the theft of two bicycles, valued I at. £20, and of a bicycle lamp, valued at 12s 6d, and also with breaking and entering and theft, and having in his possession ten picklock keys. Mr Salter, who appeared for the accused, stated that lie intended to plead guilty, and afked that the case might be remanded till a quarter past two. so that it could be dealt with by tho Magistrate. The request was granted. On the case coming before Mr Hawlden, Mr Salter stated that the accused admitted tho charges brought against him, but ho would prefer to be sentenced by the Supreme Court. His Worship stated thati he- would hear the evidence, and the accused could then plead guilty, and he would be committed for sentence to the Supremo Court, and would be brought up when most convenient. John Rennie, carpenter, stated that. i>n April 2nd he missed his bicycle from the Aldington Trotting Grounds, and reported the matter to tho police. The machine, of which parts were produced, was the one stolen. Ho identified it by the make and number. Acting-Detective O'Connell gave evidence that he searched the accused's premises, and found a box containing the parte produced. The accused admitted stealing the bicycle. This concluded the evidence on this charge, and the defendant pleaded guilty. Frederick James Doell deposed that on April 14th he mireed his bicycle from Strange's bicycle store. The frame produced belonged to the machine stolen. The number had been filed off, and a different number substituted. John Fletcher Bctts, bicycle dealer, who had originally sold the bicycle to Doell, identified the frame, and also a pair of wheels, the rims of which had been reenamellcd. Joseph Parker, assistant pawnbroker in the employ of Mr Beaumont, stated that ha took a- bicycle in pawn in July last from one T. Wright,who was identical with the accused. Hβ identified the machine. Acting-Detective O'Connor deposed to asking the accused's wife for the bicycles he had in the house. She gave 'him the frame produced. Witness charged the accused with stealing the machine, and he denied the offence. He eaid that he had bought ib of a man named Edwards, whom he had casually met in the street, and about whom he could give no further information. The accused again pleaded guilty. The next charge preferred was one of stealing boots, boot uppers, and leather to the value of about £10, the property of Thomas Wood* The informant stated that he missed the property from Wood Bros. , establishment on two dates in December last. He identified tho goods. Acting-Detective O'Connell eaid that he found the property in a large box in the accused's house. The defendant stated that he had not stolen the goods, but had bought them from a man in the street for £1. He did not know the man's name, and would not be able to recognise him again. The accused pleaded guilty. He was also charged with stealing, on March 11th, a bicycle lamp valued at 12s 6d. the property of E. Treleaven. Mr Salter asked that this charge should be withdrawn, as being only a drop in the ocean. Mr Ha?elden said that he would deal with th* charge. The accused admitted the offence, and was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment. The defendant was next charged with having unlawfully in Jiia possession ten picklock keys. He pleaded guilty, and his Worsfhip remanded him for sentence, and stated that he would be guided in respect of punishment by the sentence of the Supreme Court.