Imprisoned For Housebreaking

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29190, 28 April 1960, Page 8

Imprisoned For Housebreaking

The prisoner had been at liberty for less than 18 months in the last 25 years, but shortly after his last release from prison had embarked on another series of crime, said Mr Justice Macarthur in the Supreme Court yesterday when sentencing Sam Repia, aged 39, to preventive detention.

Repia appeared for sentence on six charges of housebreaking and 10 of theft.

The prisoner’s list of offences covered a very wide field, his Honour said. The present ones had begun two months and a half after his last release from prison and had continued for some time. There was no option but to sentence Repia to preventive detention as there was no indication that a lesser punishment would protect the community from him. Mr S. H. Wood submitted that the prisoner’s present offences had been extremely stupid. He had stolen bedding, clothing, food and drink. A film camera and jewellery, with resale value, had been thrown away. Of £l3OO worth of property stolen, £995 had been recovered with the prisoner’s help. The prisoner had been sent to Borstal for the first time at the age of 13. He had had no proper education or trade training, counsel concluded.

Mr C. M. Roper, for the Crown, said the prisoner’s previous crimes had ranged from rape to arson. The present offences were planned ones. He had had every chance to reform but had refused every opportunity.