SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 85, 8 October 1945, Page 7

SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT

John Buller McKenzie, labourer, 43, was sentenced to a total of six months' imprisonment after he pleaded guilty in the Magistrate's Court today to two charges of theft and one of obtaining money by false pretences. DetectiveSergeant G. E. Compton stated that the accused had been employed in a city hotel. He had gone to the bar manager with a telegram which stated that a relative was seriously ill in Christehurch and was given 30s for his boat fare. Later he admitted that he sent the telegram to himself. Regarding the theft charges, Mr. Compton said that the accused had shared a room with a friend. On September 14 he wore his friend's suit and shoes, saying that he wanted them only until he went to a dry cleaner's to get his own suit. However, he had not returned with the clothes. While at a dance on September 22 he had taken an overcoat from the cloakroom and sold it to a secontl-hand dealer. On behalf of the accused, Mr. J. Bergin said that the lapses were due to a craving for drink. His normal occupation was a station cook, and he was prepared to return to that occupation and take . out a prohibition order. The Magistrate, Mr. J. L. Stout. S.M., referred to the accused's previous convictions. "He can't expect probation again," he added, and sentenced the accused to two months on each charge, the sentences to be cumulative.