GAOL FOR BURGLAR

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31627, 13 March 1968, Page 10

GAOL FOR BURGLAR

Wife Remanded For Sentence

When he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday for sentence on eight charges of burglary, Alan Stewart McLintock, aged 30, a cook, was sent to gaol for three years by Mr E. S. J. Crutchley, S.M. His wife. Marie Ann McLintock, aged 25, was remanded on bail until this morning for sentence on one charge of burglary and two of obtaining credit with intent to defraud. The Magistrate said he wanted to give further consideration to the sentence after hearing counsel’s submissions.

Mr R. J. Allan, who appeared for both accused, said that Allan McLintock had a long list of convictions, most of them before he was 21. His extraordinary childhood had left him with great difficulties. His last convictions were for theft and assault in January, 1963. It was remarkable that he had kept out of trouble for so long. When the present series of serious offences was committed McLintock was unemployed. Mr Allan asked that the accused not be sent to prison so that his wife and child would not have to be supported by the State and so that he could make restitution of the substantial sum involved.

“You have a shocking list of previous crimes, but it must be conceded that you have made considerable effort since 1961,” the Magistrate said to McLintock. “The present offences are numerous, deliberate and were performed with considerable criminal skill. Property worth $3436 was stolen. The Court is bound to impose a substantial term of imprisonment.” Mr Allan said that Mrs McLintock’s case was entirely different from that of her husband. She had had an unfortunate childhood, but had shown great strength of character and had been a steadying influence on her husband. She had been under a great deal of pressure, and even threats of phy- cal violence, when she joined in the offences. It was extremely unlikely that she would have offended had it not been for her husband, Mr Allan said. “This case has caused me a great deal of anxiety,” the Magistrate said to Mrs McLintock. “It is true that you tried to stop your husband from offending, but you were a party to obtaining goods to the value of $2230 by dishonesty.”