Police can have clothing found in woman’s flat

Press, 10 February 1988, Page 12

Police can have clothing found in woman’s flat

The police succeeded, in an application heard in the District Court yesterday, in obtaining an order for the disposal to the police of items of new men’s clothing and shoes found in a woman’s flat. The application was made, and granted, on the allegation that the clothing, described as in new and mint condition, and in various sizes, had been obtained dishonestly by the woman, Ethel May Helmbright, aged 61. Sergeant K. J. Morrison appeared for the police and Mr M. J. Glue for Helmbright, named as respondent, and who opposed the application. The property involved

comprised two pairs of shoes, a pair of jeans, a shirt, and six jerseys. Evidence was that they were found by the police in a search of Helmbright’s flat in relation to another matter. Helmbright claimed in evidence that the items belonged to her fiance and his son. After hearing all evidence in the case, Judge Frampton said Helmbright had been uncooperative at the time of the police search of her flat last July 15 in explaining her possession of the items; and in the course of giving evidence she had not taken the

matter much further. She claimed the items belonged to her fiance, but was unwilling or unable to supply his present address in Christchurch. The items were in new condition, of differing sizes, and were in a flat solely occupied by Helmbright. ' Her explanation for having these was most unconvincing, the Judge said. He said Helmbright had 33 convictions for offences involving theft. The evidence led him to the conclusion that the clothing and shoes were previously stolen by Helmbright or persons unknown.