‘Stair-dancer’ jailed

Press, 27 August 1977, Page 4

‘Stair-dancer’ jailed

t ■ A “stair-dancing” thief who used a man’s shoulder bag to store his loot was jailed for six months by Mr Justice Casey in the Supreme Court yesterday. Albert Marama, aged 22, a process worker, was found guilty by a jury earlier this 'week on a charge of stealing [a man’s handbag and consents, valued at $194, the (property of Christopher [Stephen De Vere. | Evidence was given that I Marama stole the bag which I was placed by Mr De Vere I near the till of the Crow’s [Nest shop in New Brighton [on April 13. The leather bag contained cash, a calculator, (sun glasses, a fountain pen, [and a cigarette lighter. Neither the bag nor its contents (have been recovered. I Mr R. F. B. Perry, for Manama, said that it was an [opportunist offence com[mitted while there were [other persons in the shop. [After having a clean record i for many years, Marama had [committed a number of [offences after moving from [Rotorua to Christchurch, [where he found himself “in la hostile and unfriendly environment.” ) Marama, who had [difficulty in making friends !and with communicating [with persons, led a lonely [existence, said Mr Perry. He had hoped to earn his living

([as a musician but that had unot worked out. Because he had been a ’[victim of scroungers who " had us»d him, Marama had (been forced to resort to I theft in a desperate effort to [buy friendship, said Mr ! [Perry. He had a good work ’(record. [I His Honour said that Ma-[ ! [rama had taken the bag; " which had been put near the rtcash register while its owner was attending to a customer. ; He agreed with Mr Perry : | that Marama had received a 1 [commendable probation report and that ’[there was obvious merit in 'what she said about his Ugood points. He had a good [work record and had shown) >)concern for a family he had! ‘‘helped. ’) “However, I must bear in I mind that this is your third -[conviction this year,” his i Honour told him. “In Febru•jary you were put on probation, and in March you were .[sentenced to six months I'periodic detention and put lion probation again. fi “As much as I would dlike to, it would be quite un-l . realistic for me to give you! i a third chance,” said hisj -(Honour. “This type of petty [s n e a k-thieving requires and quick wits,| ;[which shows that you are a) ; | shrewd enough to be respond '[sible for your actions.” •> His Honour said that hei ;!did not accept that Marama!

tad been driven to commit (he offence by excessive ;enerosity. He had had a ■ood home but he had :hrown it all away by his shiftless existence. It was ime he settled down and lamed an honest living. The jail term will be folowed by a year’s probation, ind Marama was ordered to nake restitution of $194. [