THE STOLEN PLANE

Evening Star, Issue 21719, 14 May 1934, Page 8

THE STOLEN PLANE

YOUTHS COMMITTED TO BORSTAL PROBATION WOULD BE “ MOCKERY OF JUSTICE " [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 14. “ What these young men need is stern discipline, and that is what they are going to get,” said Mr Justice Ostler, in sentencing William George Davis (20) and Charles Young (21) to two years’ borstal detention for stealing an aeroplane at Mangerc on April 2!. Counsel said both prisoners were farm labourers who had lost their employment. They walked to Auckland, but their quest for work was unsuccessful. They were on their way homo when they hit upon the idea of stealing a plane and flying to Australia. The escapade was a foolish one, and but for the crash into the mud adjoining the aerodrome, they would have met certain death. Counsel said both men were guided by a mistaken idea of adventure, rather than criminal intent, The judge said it was a daring theft, and caused much damage to property. Nevertheless, if it had been their first escapade be would have granted probation, but they were already on probation for another offence, and the court could not go on granting probation and making a mockery of justice.