Former P.O. clerk given probation

Press, 9 May 1981, Page 11

Former P.O. clerk given probation

A former Post Office clerk earlier convicted on two charges of theft and nine charges of defrauding her employer of $l9OO. was put on probation for 12 months when she appeared for sentence before Judge Bradford in the District Court yesterday.

The Judge, who told Wendy Louise Martin, aged 19, that her offending had been “calculated and coldblooded,” ordered her to pay compensation.

Martin had admitted the offending which took place between December, last year, and'March, this year. Counsel (Mr M. J. Glue) said his client — a person of intelligence and ability — was a first offender. .

While admitting that Martin had abused a position of

trust, she had, even before pleading, made compensation of $l3OO and would be making up the balance.

Mr Glue said it seemed that Martin began offending because she embarked on a course of expensive dancing lessons. It was most unlikely that she would ever reoffend, he said. EIGHT OFFENCES A man who admitted escaping from Paparua Prison, stealing a $3OO racing cycle, and six offences of receiving, was convicted and remanded in custody to May 15 for probation report and sentence.

Gerard Tipene, aged 19, escaped from Paparua Prison with another person bv sawing his way out of a

night cell, said Sergeant W. J: McCormick.

After getti.ig to Christchurch he met an associate with whom he stayed in an empty house for several days. The associate committed several burglaries and a variety of stolen property was left with the defendant on the understanding he would sell it for cash.

Sergeant McCormick said Tipene had stolen the racing bicycle for transportation of himself and the stolen property to another address. He was caught, after 16 days at large, when climbing out of a house.

Tipene told the police that he escaped because he was bored in prison where he is serving a three-year sentence.