Students Took Army Truck

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30741, 4 May 1965, Page 3

Students Took Army Truck

(N.Z. Press Association) PALMERSTON NTH., May 3.

A student prank in the taking of an Army truck from Linton Military Camp was the worst he had ever had to deal with, said Mr R. D. Jamieson, S.M., sentencing four students of Massey University this afternoon.

He said at various times in Wellington he had had to deal with cases of students in collision with the law, because of their carrying out of what they called “stunts.” On all occasions, as also on the present one, the Court was asked to extend leniency. “This is quite the worst case I have ever had to deal with,” said the Magistrate, addressing the four men in the dock.

“I have been told you wanted to make some point about the degree of security kept by the Army-

“I have been unable to see any point about that. This country is in a state of peace, and the Army is not to be concerned with enemies roaming about. The truck was properly parked, and I fail to see why the Army should have any more concern about its safety than any other truck owner. “Irresponsible” “However, the students’ irresponsible act was carried out. I think censure should be expressed to anyone in authority who did not at once oppose the idea. “I conclude that a conviction on this serious offence which you face today might have very serious consequences on any one of you in later life, especially in a professional career. “I must hold that a conviction is not necessary in the circumstances; but you will have each to contribute towards meeting the expense you have incurred. You will be discharged under section 42 of the Criminal Justice Act and ordered to pay £5 towards the cost of the prosecution.” The students, all members

of a capping stunts committee, are lan Francis Heappey, Gray William Horner, Kevin Ivan Lowe, and Ralph Ainsworth Sanft. Outside Theatre

Detective - Senior-Sergeant A. W. Baker said that at 10.30 p.m. on April 6 a deserted Army truck, highly painted in soluble yellows and whites, was blocking traffic outside a picture theatre. The next day a solicitor called at the police station to explain that the capping committee appointed by the Massey University Students’ Association had vaguely approved the plan of its stunts

committee to take Army vehicles from Linton camp. The students had decided in view of the possible “fuss which might be created,” to take only one vehicle, and to do so before the Army authorities became too active in arranging for a Somes Island military exercise.

Two of the students were not accosted as they drove round the truck park to take ignition-key numbers, with the aid of which they purchased a key from a city garage. On the second visit Horner remained outside the camp and then preceded Sanft and Heappey in the truck, which had Lowe’s car as a rearguard. The truck was taken to the students’ paint shop and then abandoned in the middle of the city for theatre-patrons to view.

One of the students had claimed the Army would be so concerned about the lack of security over its trucks that it would make no complaint to the police. The Army was unsuccessful in removing the paint, said Senior-Sergeant Bates, so the students went to the camp and cleaned the vehicle. Considerable time had been spent by the Army Department and the police on the incident, which suggested supervision of capping activities was too careless.

Mr H. Y. Gilliand, who appeared for Lowe and Horner, said there had been no criminal intent in what was a group activity, however hairbrained and stupid. Mr J. R. Callander, for Sanft and Heappey, said great care and thought had gone into the operation, which was undertaken with almost military efficiency by the use of suitable drivers, speed and the use of back streets.

The Magistrate: Smash-and grab drivers also use care and thought.