$13,856 dole overpayments to freezing worker

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 5

$13,856 dole overpayments to freezing worker

A man convicted of being overpaid $13,856 in unemployment benefits. while working as a freezing worker over three seasons was remanded on bail by Judge Hay in the District Court yesterday to June 11 for a probation report and sentence.

Max Galvin Ireland, aged 45 (Mr P. J. Ehden) had denied three charges of defrauding the Department of Social Welfare by failing to notify it that he was in employment, in order to continue receiving the unemployment benefit. Sergeant G. G. Cleland said that through the period involved. 1979 to 1981, Ireland had continued to fill monthly returns to the department. saying he was unemployed in order to obtain “easy money." (Before Judge Paterson) JAIL TERM A youth earlier convicted on a charge described as "a vigorous, sustained threehour battering of a 15-year-old schoolboy” was sent to prison for six months. Warren Edward Drew, aged 17. a fish splitter (Mr J. J. Brandts-Giesen) had earlier denied a charge of injuring the schoolboy with intent, in a city flat on or about February 8. At the hearing the Judge had been told how the complainant had suffered a vigorous, sustained battering with fists, knees, feet and weapons used during a period of mord than three hours and a half. ■ Drew had also admitted and been convicted on charges of unlawfully possessing a .177 air pistol on February 26, and a breach of periodic detention on January 22.

Mr Brandts-Gieson said at the time of the assault Drew

said he had been under the influence of drugs. Although his client had a bad list of previous convictions he had now become involved with the Seven Canoes Marae which was prepared to assist him. Counsel asked that Drew not be sent to prison, but rather that he undertake periodic detention, coupled with a fine, or else that community service be considered.

In imposing sentence the Judge said Drew had already been sentenced to periodic detention and Borstal training for previous offending. Imprisonment was now appropriate. In addition Drew was put on probation for 12 months. . CHARGES DENIED

A husband and wife each facing 16 charges of theft or receiving were remanded on bail to July 19 for a defended hearing. Anthony Arnold Hawkins, aged 32.' unemployed, and Rosemary June Hawkins, aged 22 (Mr D. C. Fitzibbon). are alleged to have committed the offences in April and May.

Among the items involved in the charges are bank books, a driver’s licence, a marriage certificate, and a Department of Social Welfare passbook.

BURGLARY A labourer, who admitted burgling a Linwood Avenue supermarket, was convicted and remanded in custody to June 4 for a probation report and sentence.

Epi Jack Marino, aged 25 (Mr E. Bedo), also admitted and was convicted on a breach of probation offence. Sergeant G. C. Jones said that at 2.45 a.m. on May 5 Marino had forced entry into the supermarket with a screwdriver. A silent alarm was ac-

tivated and when police arrived they were able to observe Marino tampering with the alarm system. He was located hiding in a locker, said Sergeant Jones. An application for bail by Mr Bedo was refused. ASSAULT

A fork lift driver convicted of assaulting a man was remanded at large to June 14 for a probation report and sentence.

Darryl Brendan Harris, aged 18. admitted the offence which took place on May 27 while the complainant and a female friend were shopping. The complainant had been approached by three males and after a brief conversation he had been hit in the face several times with a closed fist by Harris; said Sergeant Jones. The defendant had produced a knife and had threatened to stab the complainant if he fought back. The police were contacted by the female associate and Harris was later arrested. The complainant suffered facial bruising and a swollen left eve I ‘ DEPOSITIONS y\n insurance agent elected trial by jury on three charges laid under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The defendant, who was earlier granted interim suppression of his name in the High Court, was remanded to July 27 for the taking of depositions. Through counsel (Mr J. S. Fairclough) pleas of not guilty were entered on charges of supplying cannabis to a person under the age of 18, possessing cannabis for sale, and with the possession of cannabis seed. The offences are alleged to have taken place on April 21 and 23. ASSAULTED WIFE A man who arrived home in an intoxicated state and assaulted his wife because his meal was not waiting for .him was fined $250 when he appeared for sentence. In addition the Judge ordered that Sam Vai Pelenise, aged 31, a machine operator, pay $lOO of the fine to his wife. Pelanise. who admitted .the offence, was warned that if he did not restrain his physical misbehaviour in future he could be facing a custodial sentence.

The Judge said it was fortunate that his wife, who had been previously assaulted by the defendant, was still prepared to remain with him.