A STRANGE CASE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 156, 30 December 1925, Page 5

A STRANGE CASE

"Man WITH A CHILD'S MIND"

TEIEND CHABGED WITH

EOBBBEY.

Certain transactions with a Post Office Savings Bank account belonging to a mental defective were investigated at the Magistrate's Court today, when Charles Goodman, a young man, was charged with the theft of £210. '..■■•,■

Sub-Inspector Keinp,. who prosecuted, said that the accused had been working, at Ft tone, and had a roommate who for some time had not been strojig mentally.. The evidence would show that on 24th November last, at Goodman's direction, t'.ie nlleged victim drew £200 from hii account, that he was mentally deficient, and that he was committed to a men. tal hospital. , After obtaining the money, Goodman and a companion went for a holiday, and did not! return till 15th December. . The first witness was Dr. J. B. Boyd, who said that on 17th November the accused brought the alleged victim to witness's consulting rooms in Boulcott street. Witness made an examination of the man, whome Ua found to be of unsound . uind. Oa 24th November, witness again saw hini and cousic 1 red that he • no!; capable of appreciating a business transaction. As the man had no homo, witness considered that he should be .committed to'a' mental hospital.

Evidence was also given by Dr. O. J. Reid, who said, after making an examr.iation, he found that the alleged victim was feeble-minded. Goodman did not tell witness of the withdrawal of the money before the examination. Witness considered thiit the patient had the mind of a child. '

William H. M'Go wan, a carpenter, said that on 24^h November witness and Goodman went into the Post Office : Savings 'Bank with the alleged victim, wfio' made out a form and handed it across the counter with his bdbk. ,Wheh he : received his inon-jy he gave it to. Goodman, saying, " Here, take. this-.''' The party called at the bank, while Goodman went in r ' side the premises, an'd then thejr •went to sec? Dr. Boyd. After calling at the Magistrate's Court a taxi was hired and the'man was taken to the'jPonrna Mental Hospital; Later, Goodman said that he Had received » present of £200 - from him. Tlie next day witness and Goodman went for a holiday 1 'to Auckland and New Plymouth. On 15th -December, '■ the day after they 'arrived honie, Goodman was intervieweol by the detectives. Before'seeing the- detectives Goodman gave witness £20. In reply to^Mr. Leicester, witness said.,Goodman was the only person «rbo;would look after the man, and he did not think it was strange for Goodman to receive a present. Goodman pleaded' not guilty, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail of £350 was renewed.