Charges against two stewards dismissed

Press, 4 October 1982, Page 18

Charges against two stewards dismissed

PA Auckland . Charges of theft against two former Air New Zealand ground stewards were dismissed in the District Court at Auckland. . The stewards are Edward David Watts,' aged 46. of Mount Eden, and Frank Malloy. aged 44, of Mount Roskill. ■ ‘ % '

Watts was discharged on a count of stealing assorted bottles of liquor, perfumes, detergents, foodstuffs, and other sundry items valued at more than $2O between January 1, 1977 and July 27 this year. . Detective Clive Cockle said that he had searched Watts’s- house and locker at Auckland Airport on July 27. The defendant had told him that all-the items seized had been, obtained legally from work or from airlines on which he had travelled. He

had mentioned that some of the Air New Zealand property could belong to his son. who once worked for the airline. Defence counsel. Mr Kevin Ryan, told the Court that on the basis of the evidence there was nothing to suggest Watts had removed property owned by his employer. • Malloy was also cleared of theft. He was charged with stealing a container of detergent. bottles, cards, cologne, seals, pens and toiletries valued at more than $2O between July 11. 1981, and July 27 this year. ■ Dudley Neville Smith, aged 40. of Beachaven, a ground steward, pleaded not guilty to a charge that between July 18 last year and July 27 this year he stole toiletries. liquor. socks, matches, and balloons valued at more than $2O.

Mr Ryan said the total value of the articles alleged to have been found in Smith’s house and, airport locker was $23.66. This included balloons worth 75c. “It really spells out the tremendous amount of hot air in this charge," he said. Smith was remanded to November 17 for trial in the Auckland District Court. Also remanded for trial on that date were the following ground stewards: Graham Donald Bell,'aged 40. of Papakura; Jack Valentine Draper, aged 58. of Northcote; Joseph Gordon Schmalkuchen, aged 44, of New Lynn; Benjamin Aousto Figueroa. aged 31, ol Titirangi: and Peolaloi Etuati, aged 33. of Mangere. s ' : Each man pleaded not guilty. Bail was continued.