RINGS STOLEN AT PARTY

Evening Star, Issue 21710, 3 May 1934, Page 13

RINGS STOLEN AT PARTY

THREE WOMEN AND MAN IMPLICATED COUNSEL GALLS IT “ DRUNKEN PRANK ” [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, May 2. Submissions that the theft of jewellery was the result of what counsel described as “a drunken prank,” that the accused were not possessed of a criminal mind, and that there was a complete absence of mens rea were advanced by counsel in the Magistrate’s Court to-day when three young married women were charged with the theft of five rings and a necklace valued at £3B 10s, belonging to the wife of Squadron-leader 6. L. Stedman, of the Wellington Aero Club. The accused were Valma Sinden, Mona Amalric, and Eileen Johnston. It was stated on their behalf that they had taken the jewellery while at a party at Mr Stedman’s house, not knowing what they were doing. Realising the position later, they endeavoured to return the articles, and actually handed them over to a man named George Alexander Low, a canvasser, to post. The rings were not received by Mrs Stedman. , The women chose to lie dealt with summarily, while Low, who was charged also with the theft, elected to be tried by the Supreme Court. The women were admitted to probation for two years, an application for the suppression of their names being refused. A statement by Low that he had posted the jewellery on March 2 and could not understand it not arriving was read. Further evidence against him will be heard to-morrow. It was stated in evidence that Mr Stedman and his wife had permitted members of the Aero Club to use their home for a party, and were not themselves present.