BREACH OF TRUST.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20088, 18 November 1930, Page 17

BREACH OF TRUST.

CLERK SENTENCED ?OR THEFT. tPMSS ASSOCIATION TILES aAM.) AUCKLAND, November 17. A sentence of 18 months' reformative detention was passed by Mr Jus--tice Smith in the Supreme Court on William Hobsou Nelson, aged SI (Mr Northcroft), a clerk in the employ of tho Auckland ■ City Council, who had pleaded guilty to four charges of theft involving sums totalling £319. Mr Northcroft said no one apart from Nelson and his brothers ana sisters had lost by these proceedings, because complete restitution had been made, partly by Hia forfeiting his superannuation, and by his brothers and sisters making up the balance. Mr Meredith, Crown Prosecutor, said the case was one of breach of trust bv an officer of a local body, who hacl not even the urgo of necessity. He was receiving a comparatively good salary, which would have been ample for his requirements. His Honour told prisoner that tho position ho held ®a.« nn» of public trust. "It is quite clear that I cannot sanction the idea that public money cap be taken without penaltv. even if it is subsequently refunded, said liis Honour. "No doubt you have Buffered a great deal, but I have this public doty to perform."