CHARGE OF THEFT DISMISSED

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27496, 2 November 1954, Page 8

CHARGE OF THEFT DISMISSED

MAN HELD TOO DRUNK TO FORM INTENT . (New Zeaiana Press Association) DUNEDIN, November 1. In what was described by his counsel as a “tragic case,” Noel Anthony Ruth, aged 33, a former lecturer in economics at Canberra University, pleaded not guilty to a charge of theft when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court today. In dismissing the charge, Mr J. D. Willis, S.M., said that he was convinced that Ruth was so drunk at the time of the alleged theft that no specific intent could have been possible. He convicted, and discharged him on a charge of drunkenness. Ruth was alleged to have stolen an umbrella, an overnight bag, and a package of stout. For the accused, Mr A. P. McAlevey said that Ruth had a brilliant academic record. He had heard news that he had not got an overseas job for which he had applied, had felt "very deflated,” and had gone out to drink with fellow employees of a wool store. The Magistrate directed that the police investigate the allegation that a hotel licensee had allowed a man to become "paralytic drunk” on his premises, so that a report on the conduct of the licensee could be made to the* next licensing committee meeting.