U.S. tourist convicted

Press, 17 February 1983, Page 17

U.S. tourist convicted

PA Auckland An American tourist was convicted of 42 offences when he appeared in the District Court at Auckland. John Charles Roberts, aged 45. a self-employed businessman. of Illinois, pleaded guilty to charges of using a Visa card with intent to defraud, and to a charge of possessing cannabis plant.

Roberts, one of four Americans arrested, had previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of using a Visa card with intent to defraud. Later, before Judge Gilbert. Roberts changed his plea and admitted the further charges. For the prosecution. Sergeant T. J. Hughes said that Roberts had arrived in NewZealand last year with Visa cards. The cards had been stolen in the United States in November.

Roberts admitted using the cards on a number of occasions. the court was told. Defence counsel. Mr Grant Illingworth. said that Roberts had spent five days in Mount Eden Prison after his arrest on February 4. Because he was arrested on the Friday before a holiday week-end he had been unable to have visitors or even to get a change of clothing during that time. He said, "that experience was unpleasant for him. He

has learned a very real lesson of what it is like to offend in this countrv."

Mr Illingworth said that Roberts was prepared to pay back the debt he incurred on the credit cards. He asked that Roberts be allowed to repay money and leave the countrv.

Judge Gilbert said that Roberts first insisted that he had been told he could use the Visa cards, but had later admitted that they were stolen. “Now you are officially asking to buy your way out." he said. He convicted Roberts and remanded him in custody for a week for a report and sentence.

Roberts' associate, Robert Lawrence Litawa. also charged with using a Visa card with intent to defraud, pleaded nqt guilty and was remanded on bail to July 13 for a depositions hearing’ He elected a District Court trial by jury.

His wife. Joanne Litawa, facing similar charges, was also remanded on bail to the same date for depositions. The fourth person. Karen Marie Olsen, was discharged on a charge of smoking cannabis when the police brought no evidence on the charge.