Computer theft adds to ‘dreadful’ dishonesty list

Press, 7 September 1989, Page 16

Computer theft adds to ‘dreadful’ dishonesty list

A man who stole $15,000 of computer and office equipment was sentenced to eight months periodic detention.

Alan Saul Hubbard, aged 27, a computer operator (Mr Emo Bedo), appeared for sentence before Judge Mahon in the District Court yesterday.

The defendant had a “dreadful” list of previous convictions which included burglary, theft, receiving “and indeed most types of offences or dishonesty,” said Judge Mahon. The burglary of the Harcourts Real Estate office at the corner of Gloucester Street and Woodham Road on August 14 was serious and had involved a degree of planning. The Offence committed

by Hubbard, and an associate whom he had declined to identify, had been done to provide him with funds for the expected birth of a child later this year. The mother-to-be was his de facto partner.

Judge Mahon said two matters which made periodic detention a more appropriate sentence than imprisonment were that most of the stolen property had been recovered and because Hubbard had, according to a probation report, made a firm commitment that the present offence would be his last, CHARGE DENIED Two charges of fraudulently using a woman’s credit cards to obtain

$17,150 in cash were denied by Hugh Anstice Ritchie.

Ritchie, aged 35, an aviation consultant based in New Guinea, was remanded on bail to September 18 for a defended hearing.

He is charged with committing the offences between January, 1988, and June, this year. Mr G. Coombe represented Ritchie. ROBBERY CHARGE Johannus Keriti Roes was remanded on bail to October 17 for a predepositions conference on a charge of robbing Warwick Alline Wayte of a wallet containing $7OO in cash and credit cards.

Rose, aged 30, a parttime doorman (Mr Peter

Edgen), is alleged to have committed the offence, with another person, on June 16. HEAD-BUTTED An argument over visiting rights resulted in Gary David Weallens, aged 28, “head-butting” his estranged wife, . said Sergeant Brian Roswell. As a result of the assault, which took place on the night of August 5, the complainant suffered bruising and a cut lip. Compensation of $l7OO was sought in relation to damaged teeth, said Sergeant Roswell. Weallans, represented by Miss Caroline Risk, was remanded on bail to September 18 for sentence and a reparation report.