SUPREME COURT

Evening Star, Issue 17595, 25 February 1921, Page 6

SUPREME COURT

Friday, February 25. (Before His Honor Mr Justice Sim.) PRISONER’S SENTENCE. EMBEZZLING PATRIOTIC FUNDS. Theophiius La Mo the Ralfe, who had pleaded' guilty at Oamaru te four charges of theft, was placed at tho bar for sentence. Mr Ouglov, who appeared for prisoner, said that it was difficult to say anything in extenuation of the offences. Italic was a man just on fifty-six years of age, with a grown-up family. Ho was a masouscuipter by trade, but had latterly worked as a commission agent and reporter. During the war ho had been very active in helping to raise money for patriotic purposes, and, being placed in charge of tbo fund as secretary, must have Ixjgnn early to misappropriate the funds. There was apparently a loose system of audit: but this, of course, was no justification for the offence. When he found he was irretrievably te tho bad prisoner had got together what money lie could (about £200) and paid it back. Ho then resigned, and simply awaited arrest. Ho had facilitated as far as lie could the inquiries into the matter, and was more than humiliated by his position. lie had indeed refused to accept bail, preferring to remain in gaol. Unfortunately the money taken had been gambled, prisoner having a weakness for card-playing. Ho expensed deep regret that bis circumstances would not permit of his repaying all tho money.

In reply to Kis Honor, Mr Adams said the amount involved in the first charge was £663 10s Id, and the total in all four charges £686. Of this prisoner had paid back £2OO. On the charge of stealing £663 10s Id the prisoner was sentenced te two years’ hard labor, and on each of the other three charges te four months’ hard labor, the sentences to be cumulative—three years in all. TH!-,FT FROM DWELLING. Henry Christopher Pedersen, who had pleaded guilty in the lower court te having committed theft from a dwelling, was brought up for sentence. Mr F. B. Adams, who appeared fay the Grown Prosecutor, said, in reply to His Honor, that he was unable to say whether or not tho probation officer had hern asked to report on this case. Probably it had been considered unnecessary. The prisoner was ordered to be detained for reformative purposes for a period of not more than three years. CIVIL SITTING. Re Elizabeth Ilcphwill.— Petition for appointment of Perpetual Trustees as managers of estate. —Order made accordingly.