IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27434, 21 August 1954, Page 8

IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT

£9OOO INVOLVED IN THIRTY CHARGES

SUMS STOLEN FROM EMPLOYER (New Zealand. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 20. A 39-year-old company secretary, Graham Stephen Bond, was sentenced to three years* imprisonment when he appeared for sentence on 30 charges of theft involving a total of £9337 14s 3d in the Magistrate’s Court today. Mr J. B. Thomson. S.M., sentenced Bond on the charge involving the largest amount —£2257 9s sd. On the other 29 charges he was convicted and discharged. The thefts took place between the end of 1949 and July of this year. Bond had admitted 29 charges of theft as a servant of Truth (New Zealand). Ltd., and one of theft iron; Te Aro Investments, Ltd. Mr E. F. Rothwell, for Bond, Said the series of thefts could only be described as incredible. They had taken place over ja period of years and it was possible that by laxity of control Bond had been encouraged to continue the offences The auditors, he said, should have discovered the thefts years ago. Bond’s chief difficulty was the purchase of a house beyond his means. Bond had lived extravagantly, but there had been no gambling or really high living. Financially, his living had undoubtedly been irresponsible. Bond’s wife had been unaware of the thefts. She had queried his financial ability, but he said he was able to pay. The offences may have been induced by a desire to compensate for his wife’s state of health. The offences were incredible because of Bond’s family history and brilliant scholastic career. Bond gave every assistance to the police and had made restitution of more than £4OOO.