CRIME PUNISHED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 41, 18 February 1937, Page 11

CRIME PUNISHED

GAOL AND PROBATION

WOMAN ADMITS BIGAMY

Remarking that it was not often that probation was granted in cases of bigamy, the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers), in 'the Supreme Court today, released on two years' probation Mary Isabella Christina Laloli, a domestic, aged 34, who admitted committing bigamy. The prisoner, he'said, would appear to have had a very hard life, and after reading the report of the probation officer he did not think any good could be served by sending.her to prison. Mr. F. J. Foot, who appeared for the prisoner, said her husband had been addicted to drink, and they had parted several years ago. Had she known of the method of obtaining a divorce cheaply as a pauper her freedom would have been easy to secure. She had worked as a waitress and a housekeeper, and had ; had the burden of supporting herself when she had not been in good health. The .proposal which had resulted in the bigamous marriage had been' made some twelve months ago.

Clarence Albert Butterfleld, cabinetmaker, aged 33, was sentenced to twelve months' hard labour for breaking and entering/with theft, the term to be cumulative with a short sentence now being served.

"This is a very stupid. and insane offence," commented his Honour when Leslie Knopp, storeman, aged 27, appeared for sentence for breaking, entering, and theft. Prisoner was admitted to probation ■ for .two-years.

Donald Thomas Bell, storeman, aged 20 (Mr. R. Hardie' Boys), and James Harrington, factory hand, aged 25 (Mr. W. D. Goodwin), were each granted two years' probation on a joint charge of breaking and entering with theft. Harrington-was ordered to abstain from liquor during the period of probation.