KEPT DUTY HIMSELF

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 9

KEPT DUTY HIMSELF

Customs Dept. Officer (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, Sept. 8. A Customs officer who was responsible for collecting duty from travellers issued receipts but kept the money for himself, Mr E. F. Rothwell, S.M., was told today. John Frank Thomson, aged 24, pleaded guilty to four charges of theft. He was convicted and remanded till September 15 for sentence.

Sergeant L. Woodgate said that between December, 1963, and February, 1964, and between June and August, 1964, Thomas was responsible for collecting duty paid on goods by' travellers. After an inquiry, Thomson admitted that between June and August, 1964, he had withheld a total of £49 9s. Thomson made full restitution of this sum. Further discrepancies were discovered and an audit was ordered, Mr Woodgate said. When interviewed by the police, Thomson admitted keeping a further £142 15s 6d between December, 1963, and February, 1964. Thomson acknowledged withholding the money, but said had no idea of the total sum stolen. He had issued receipts in all cases. He could offer no explanation, Most of the money had been spent on his hobby of photography, Mr Woodgate said.