“ OUT FOR A SPIN ”

Evening Star, Issue 19351, 10 September 1926, Page 6

“ OUT FOR A SPIN ”

CONVERSION OF MOTOR CARS SEVERE PUHISfiMEHT DESERVED “This is an offence very difficult to locate, and when detected the defendants deserve severe punishment,” stated Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., in the City Police Court to-day, when Herbert M’Earlano pleaded guilty to converting to his own use a motor car, valued at £255, the property of Messrs Wimponny Bros, and Reid. Sub-inspector O’Halloran said similar thefts had been made at tho garage where accused had been employed, but accused had denied any previous conversion.

Mr E. J. Rolfe, for M'Farlane, said that accused had a key to the garage. Yielding to a sudden impulse ho had decided to go “ for a spin.” Accused had given good service to his employers. The firm had sot a watch so that the growing practice would be chocked, and after some hours’ drive accused had returned t t ho car to tho garage .and was caught. Tho Magistrate: Was this tho only occasion accused took a car?

Mr Rolfc: Yes. The Magistrate: I might be a little dubious about that. Mr Polio asked for leniency. Accused was a married man and a good workman. However, His Worship would have to take into consideration the checking of the practice of conversion.

Mr Wimpenny, accused’s last employer, advanced a plea for leniency. Ho testified to M'Farlane’s services to the firm. Accused had been the fool to bo caught, but ho had been a man, and had yesterday called at the garage and admitted his folly. Sub-inspector O’Halloran said that accused was not affected with drink at the time of the oifence. Accused was admitted to probation for one year.