THEFT ALLEGED

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 114, 7 February 1935, Page 4

THEFT ALLEGED

Ex-Solicitor on Trial

Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, February 6. The trial of Alan James McLeavey, ex-solicitor, aged 33, of Palmerston North..on a charge of theft of £942 15/2, the property of the estate of the late Walter Lewis Child, between May 11, 1932, aud September 30, 1933, was commenced in the Supreme Court before the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, this afternoon. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, conducted his own case. Edward George Child, merchant, of Palmerston North, said his brother, Walter Lewis. Child, had died intestate. His brother, F. W. Child, and four sisters were entitled to a share of the estate.' Accused had authority to pay debts in connection with his brother’s debts totalling £B7/10/-, but had no authority to pay out any further amounts. Witness'said that 19 payments which were not debts of his or the estate, including £l7B/16/- to himself and £220/7/8 to his son, W. J. Child, had not been authorised by him. Neither he nor his son had received sums which were shown as having been paid to them. Accused had come down to witness’s home and stated that he had taken the money from the Post Office and was sorry. Accused had said that the witness need not take proceedings as he would get his money from the Law’ Society. None of the beneficiaries had received any money from the estate. Accused cross-examined witness at length and subjected him to a test of memory. Witness said, his age was 74 years. Accused produced authority for expenditure of £4OO which witness stated he could not recollect having signed. If he had signed it he was not aware of its contents. The hearing will continue tomorrow.