SUPREME COURT

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24369, 22 September 1944, Page 7

SUPREME COURT

GAOL ESCAPEES SENTENCED

“In March last, when you appeared in this Court, you were warned that if you came here again you would be declared an habitual criminal,” said Mr Justice Northcroft in the Supreme Court in Christchurch yesterday when Alfred Hicks Howell, a labourer, aged 27, appeared before him for sentence for having escaped from lawful custody at Paparua Prison. With him was Thomas Hedley Stocker, a mechanic, aged. 22, who was charged with the same offence.

“I consider it my duty to declare you an habitual criminal,” continued his Honour, addressing Howell. Howell was also sentenced to a year’s imprisonment with hard labour for escaping, the sentence to be cumulative with that which he is already serving. He was also sentenced to the same term on three charges of breaking and entering and theft while at liberty. The latter sentence is to be served concurrently with the others. His Honour commented on the fact that Howell had a list of more than GO convictions for various offences. Stocker received a sentence of six months’ imprisonment with hard labour, to be cumulative with the sentence he is at present serving. Neither prisoner was represented by counsel. Mr A. W. Brown appeared for ’the Crown. Before the prisoners were sentenced Mr Justice Northcroft said; “I notice that Howell has taken the major share of the blame for escaping. Is that tire opinion of the authorities?” Mr Brown: It is hard to say which of the two was the major offender. His Honour said he had noted the statement made by Howell concerning the escape, in which he accepted the major share of responsibility, and remarked that he proposed to deal with Stocker more leniently.