11 MONTHS’ GAOL

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30289, 15 November 1963, Page 12

11 MONTHS’ GAOL

“Final Chance” For Prisoner Imposing a sentence of If months’ imprisonment on Harold Maurice James Smither, aged 45, Mr Justice Macarthur in the Supreme Court yesterday warnedSmithef that he was eligible for preventive detention, 'from three to 14 years' gaob'.He was certain to receive preventive detention if he.' persisted in his light-fingered habits. Smither was appearing for sentence on charges of unlawfully interfering with a car, and theft of a sewing machine. He was gaoled for six months on the first charge, and five months on the charge of theft, the terms to be cumulative. A term of one year's probation, to be served after the gaol sentence, was also imposed, with a condition that he take out a prohibition order. Mr W. A. Wilson, for the accused, said the tragedy of the case was that the accused was am excellent workman and in many ways an excellent citizen. Liquor had been his trouble. “Smither alone 's a good worker and citizen. Smither plus liquor becomes a petty thief," he said. Mr Wilson said most of the accused's crimes were petty offences, committed when he was under the influence of drink. He submitted that a short sentence, which would enable the accused to get liquor, out of his system and enable him to establish himself as, a useful citizen, be imposed.’ Mr N. W. Williamson, who appeared for the Crown, made no submissions. His Honour said the accused ha<j a bad record for crimes of dishonesty. However, he was impressed by the accused's good work record and would impose a sentence deliberately designed to give the accused a final chance to mend his ways.

Supersonic Planes.— TransWorld Airlines has taken up its option to buy fot Concorde airliners.—New York, Nov. 13.