PRISONER'S PLEA

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 143, 19 June 1931, Page 9

PRISONER'S PLEA

SENTENCE DEFERRED

When it was suggested in tho Supreme Court to-day by the Crown Pro* secutor that ho should bo declared an habitual criminal, Charles King, aged •13, who was beforo tho Court for sentence on a, charge of stealing an overcoat, pleaded to be given another chance, lie said that although he liad a bad record ho was suro Detectives llall and Hayhurst would give evidence that for nearly two years he had been living an honest life. Mr. Justice MacGregor deferred sentence until to-mor-row morning ho enable tho detectives t<* bo called. King said that for almost two yeaib he had been, in a position of trust at Palliscr Bay. Ho had been handling sums of money from £.160 to £200 each month, and ho could have been dishonest had ho desired. It was through ■ giving a man-who had come from Mount Eden prihon. a bed and food that ho. had .been led into his present trouble. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr. P. S. K. Macassey) said that King had a lonj rocord, which showed that he had been convicted in England, Australia, and .New Zealand. ■King did not admit all tho convictions, and declared that they "did not belong to him." Mr. Maeassey said that the prisoner had qualified to bo declared an habitual criminal. His Honour: "Do you suggest that I should deelaro him a habitual criminal?" "I do, siy,'' replied Mr. Macassey. "The police regard him as a very dangorous and active criminal." King pleaded to bo given ono.niora chance. It could be put down oii; his record that if he came. before the Court again he would be declared aa| habitual criminal.- -; . .. ? " . , His Honour said it was a serious iiiatter to declare ..a inanah.habitual crinir inal, and ho would, defer sentence' t» enable the detectives. to be called. '