MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21090, 15 February 1934, Page 5

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

* WEDNESDAY 'Before Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M.) IMPRISONMENT FOR FRAUD John Peris, a cook, aged 41, residing at a boarding-house in Manchester street (Mr H. P. Smith) pleaded guilty to a charge that with intent to defraud he received from Gideon Scott Hoods and money to the total value of 15s, by falsely representing that a National Bank of South Africa draft for the .sum of ,C 5 was a good and valid order for that amount. Chief-Detective \V. 11. Diuilop said that complainant was a hairdresser. Accused had entered his shop early on Tuesday morning and asked for credit. When this was refused Peris produced a bundle of draft notes from a South African bank, representing that he was waiting for a bank to open in order to cash them. Complainant accepted one of the draft forms and gave accused las. These drafts had absolutely no value, and the bank which had issued them had been out of business for about six years. Accused had said that he had'thrown away all of the others. After inspecting the note, which bore no signature whatever, and had the word "specimen" stamped across it, the Magistrate said it was hard to understand why the complainant had accepted it. The chief detective added that accused had 20 previous convictions, on various charges. Mr Smith said that most of accused's previous offences had been committed white he was under the influence of drink. He had been in this condition in this case also, and was now willing to take out a prohibition order, and could make restitution. Peris was sentenced to imprisonment for one month, and ordered to make restitution of the 12s Id, he had remaining from the las. CHARGE OF FORGERY Leslie Cecil Johnson, described as a farmer, aged f/I, of Burnsido road, was remanded until February 20, on a charge of making a false document by altering a genuine receipt in some material part with the intention that it should be acted upon as genuine, thereby committing forgery. Dr. A. L. Haslam. who appeared for accused, asked for bail. Chief-Detective Dunlop said that the defalcations already discovered amounted to .Cf>oo, and the figure might be higher. The money was Ihe property of Gold Band Taxis, with which firm Johnson had been employed. FAILURE TO PAY LEVIES

The follow hit; were fined for failing In pay unemployment levies: Morn.': Close.' 10s and costs on one charge, and convicted and discharged on live others: Francis Erie Harris, 10s and costs on each of two charges, and convicted and discharged on three others: William Morris Hawkc (Mr A. B. Hobbs), 10? and costs on each of three charges, and convicted and discharged on two others; William Edward Militancy, 10s and costs on each of three charges, and convicted and discharged on nine others: Leslie George Maeßeth. 10s and costs on each of three charges, and convicted and discharged on four; Joseph Patrick McSwigan, 10s and costs on each of two charges, and convicted and discharged on three; John Pitcaithly, 10s and costs on one charge, and convicted and discharged on 10. Sidney Mowman. an employer in respect of the levies of two employee.?, was fined £2 and costs on each of three charges.