AN OLD OFFENDER

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 51, 24 November 1930, Page 11

AN OLD OFFENDER

Business People Victimised MAN SENT TO PRISON Dominion Special Service Marton, November 22. “I can describe this man in no other way than as a positive take-down.” declared Constable H. J. Thompson, in the Marton Police Court this morning, when John Anthony Crawford appeared to answer three charges of securing money by false pretences from Marton business people. The constable explained that accused had visited the town this week ant) had secured £l/15/- from Mrs. Whiteombe. £l/5/- from A. E. Watts, and 15/- from Miss I. A. Gordon, by representing that he was canvasser for the Fleet Printing Company. Wellington, and that he was issuing n calendar in Marton with advertisements thereon. The money he received was for advertising space It bad been ascertained since that Crawford did not represent that firm, and when accosted by the police he had only 9/10 in his possession. “He has squandered the money by spending it in hotels and billiard saloons.' concluded Constable Thompson. Crawford pleaded guilty. ami when asked if he had any statement to make, he --aid that he fully intended to have the calendars printed. He thought a friend might dv ‘Jiem in. Wanganui. Mr. Ingle: What .about the Fleet Company? Accused made no reply. Constable Thompson then read a long list of previous convictions for similar offences and also for theft. The Bench imposed a sentence of six months’ imprisonment in all.