LOSSES AT POKER

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 278, 19 August 1932, Page 13

LOSSES AT POKER

Thefts by Accountant GAOL TERM IMPOSED Gambling Ruins Career “Prisoner has had the lesson of his life,” said counsel in the Supreme Court yesterday on behalf of Harold Vivian Johns, 34, clerk, who was brought before Mr. Justice Reed for sentence on a charge of theft as a servant at Wellington on July 20, when in the employment of Ross and Glendining, Ltd. He was sentenced to 18 months reformative'detention. Counsel said he realised he was at a disadvantage in appearing for prisoner, as in cases of embezzlement by servants leniency could not be expected from the court. In this cage' ne could not plead family hardship or illness, circumstances which were often brought before the court in such cases. As was stated in the report of the probation officer, accused became involved in difficulties in a gambling den or poker school. Prior to this he was a sober and industrious young man. He had a young wife and child dependent upon him. It was his first offence and would be his last, for he was determined he would not come before the court again for any offence. Prisoner had had a good schooling, continued counsel, and was for some months in a solicitor’s office, where one would have thought he would have learned to avoid breaking the law. He was a bank clerk for five years, and bad been with his late employers 12 years, five as accountant. The offence occurred only eight or nine months before, up to which time he had a good reputation. He had had the lesson of his life, and after serving any sentence imposed on him would lead a sober and industrious life. Counsel asked for such mercy and leniency as the court could show, seeing that accused had confessed to his manager and given every assistance to clear the matter up. He regretted that it was not possible to make restitution. His Honour said he must Impose a sentence which would act as a deterrent to others in similar positions. Prisoner was receiving an adequate if not a large salary, but had yielded to temptation. He would be sentenced to 18 months’ reformative detention.