GAOL FOR THEFTS OF CATTLE

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29051, 13 November 1959, Page 14

GAOL FOR THEFTS OF CATTLE

Four Men Sentenced At Gisborne (New Zealand Press Association) GISBORNE. November 12. Four men, convicted of cattle stealing at Waingake, were sentenced by Mr Justice Shorland in the Supreme Court at Gisborne today to prison terms ranging from six to 18 months. Trevor James Higgins, aged 26, farm manager, found guilty on four charges, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for the theft of a bull and received a similar sentence for the theft of three steers, the terms to be served concurrently. On the remaining two counts, he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, to be served concurrently. Henare Raumoa Balneavis Wilson, aged 26, a shepherd, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, and Walter Wilson, aged 22. 'a shepherd, and Charlie Haenga, aged 26, a shepherd, were each sentenced to six months. They had been found guilty jointly with Higgins of stealing nine cattle.

Mr K. G. Scott said the jury’s favourable recommendation on behalf of Higgins could be applied individually to the other prisoners. Counsel said the four prisoners were first offenders. “It is always distressing to deal with a case such as the present one,” his Honour said. He said Higgins knew better than any of the other prisoners the gravity of the offences. Cattle stealing was a difficult crime to trace.