THEFT OF SCRAP METAL

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 121, 28 November 1928, Page 13

THEFT OF SCRAP METAL

The theft of 3141b of scrap brass and' 1451b of copper wire, of a total value of £5 lis 9d, the property of the Wellington City Council, was admitted in the Magistrate's Court to-day by William John Tonkin, aged 30. Chief-Detective Ward said that for the past 8_ years the accused had been employed by the Wellington City Council as a greaser at the ' electric light station. Between August, 1927, and tho 20th of the present, month the accused had stolen a considerable quantity of copper wire and brass, which he had sold to . marine dealers. The value of the wire. recovered from the dealers amounted to £2 0s 6d, while metal to the value of £2 18s 9d had not been recovered. "The accused is a married man with two children," concluded the Chief Detective. ''He has not been before the Court previously, and appears to be rather simpleminded." ' ,' For the accused, Mr. Leicester said that the copper wire an_ brass sold .was discarded and had been left lying around tho yard. When questioned by the police the accused had immediately explained the whole of the circumstances. As a result of the offence the accused would lose his job, and,he had no means except about £20 worth of furniture. The Magistrate convicted the accused and admitted him -to probation for two years. Restitution is to be made at the discretion of the Probation Officer.