SUPREME COURT

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 28, 2 August 1921, Page 8

SUPREME COURT

THE CRIMINAL SESSIONS

CHARGE OF BREAKING AND ENTERING FAILS

The quarterly criminal sessions of the .Wellington Supreme Court are being continued to-day. Mr. Justice: Reed is on the Bench.

The hearing of evidence regarding the charge of breaking and entering laid against a young man named Alfred Charles Needham was continued yesterday : afternoon. Accused's explanation of 'his being found on the premises o{ 1a shop at the corner of HawkestoneBtreet and Hawkestone-crescent was that iho had gone round to the back door to elideavour to purchase cigarettes after liours, and if any door or window had been interfered with he had had no part, in such interference. The jury retired at 4.5 p.m., and ten minutes later ■ibronght in a. veidict of not guilty. Mr. O. A. L. Treadwell appeared on behalf of Needbam'. ALLEGED THEFT FROM EMPLOYER.. Frederick Walter Roscoe, late head etoreman for the Empire Manufacturing Company, and Henry Charles Holland, factory manager for the same company, ■were next charged with the theft of goods valnod at £76 ICte 6d from the company's promises. Mr. P. S. K. Macassey appeared for' the Crown, and Mr. Treadwell for the accused. The mana-ger.of the company, William Cook, stated in his evidence that Holland had, been in the employ of the company for about eighteen years and ißoscoe for five years. Ho believed that the accused had intended to start a rival ibusinese. Albert Edward Turner, carrier, stated that Roscoe had asked him to store a quantity of goods for a time, and when witness called at the company's premises, with, his lorry, Roscoe helped him to load 'the goods, which were contained in three barrels and fifteen cases. Roscoe had 'been quite open about the matter, and .witness had no thought that there ■was ."any suggestion of dishonesty about the removal of the goods. Theodore Rupert Furness, an employee of the company, gave evidence that Holland:;, had' Also lent his assistance when Turner's lorry was being loaded.

Detective Walsh produced a statement made by Roscoe, in which accused admitted Ijis guilt. The statement also contained reference to the business which he and Holland intended to open. Holland, Roscoe alleged, was aware t that the stolen goods were in Turner's ""possession. Detective-Sergeant Andrews, in detailing '.liis interview with Holland, said thatvlhe accused had aslted if the matter might not be "squared" by payment for the goods. He admitted that he had -assisted to load the goods, and stated that he had intended U> put throtigh a docket for the goods in the usual manner before he and Roscoe left the .firm. If he were given an opportunity'he would pay for the goods at once) he said.' "> "■•;■• Both the accused,-in their evidence; maintained tH|t theyjhadi'no guilty in-, tent*; in removing the "goods. ■ A list of the'articles had been made out, and there was every intention of payment in duecourse.

(Proceeding.)