SUPREME COURT

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 99, 21 January 1926, Page 10

SUPREME COURT

AUCKLAND SESSIONS

SENTENCES FOR GRAVE OFFENCES

Bi Telegeam.—PtiEss Association.

Auckland, January 20.

In tho Supreme Court to-day, Mr. Justice Stringer sentenced George Joseph Marshall to five year’s imprisonment for assault with intent to rob and bigamy. On the night of November 6 Marshall waited for the manager of tho Newmarket branch of the Auckland Savings Bank, and presented a loaded revolver. Mr. Reedy pleaded that Marshall had led a blameless life for 61 j ears. He had been manager of the Ponsonbv branch of the Savings Bank, whoso employ ho left owing to bad health five years ago Since then ho had helped financially two sons to the extent of £llOOO, and their failure resulted in the breaking up of his health. The Judge commented on tho courage and promptitude of the manager in rushing a man with a loaded revolver, which saved the bank the loss of a large sum of money. Robert Ruff, on five charges of false pretences, was sentenced to three '/ears’ imprisonment, and declared an habitual criminal. The Judge characterised him as an impudent swindler, and referred to people whom he had tricked out of nearly £OOO as simpletons. Matthew Murphy and Albert Alfred Ellis, for breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime, were admitted to three years’ probation. The offenc® was committed while the men wore under the influence of liquor. Harapene Hohepa Kapa, for carnal knowledge, was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, and Kareti ITakapunai for carnal 'knowledge, to two years’ probation. Papi Rangi, for theft from the person, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. A youth of 20 years of age, described as the son of a wealthy Whangarei man, was allowed three years’ probation for the theft of £66 from a boot shop. The Judge suppressed the name owing to special circumstances. Ernest Win. Gibbs, for arson, boraking and entering, and theft (four charges) was sentenced to three years reformative detention. James McPherson, who forged two cheques for £5 10s. and £7, and spent the money at horse races, was admitted to three years’ probation, and ordered to make restitution.