GIVEN A CHANGE

Evening Star, Issue 23324, 21 July 1939, Page 6

GIVEN A CHANGE

LABOURER'S SERIOUS OFFENCE

PROBATION FOR ASSAULT AND ROBBERY

“ I propose to take a chance with you and admit you to probation; 1 hope you never .come before the court again,” said Mr Justice Smith, addressing Frederick Gordon (33), who appeared for sentence on a charge of robbery with violence in the Supreme Court to-day. “ This is a very serious offence.” said His Honour, ‘‘ but 1 will take into consideration the circumstances of this case, and also the fact that this is an isolated occurrence in your career.” Gordon was. admitted to probation for three years, and ordered to take out a prohibition order, to remain in force for two years. “ This: prisoner is a first offender, and, while this is a most serious crime, there are circumstances that palliate it,” said Mr O. G. Stevens, who represented Gordon. “The offence took place while the.accused was under the influence of liquor, and at-*'a house where the epnduct/yvas no credit to the persons who were Gordon is not of the criminal type. He lias bad one night of folly, and when sentencing him 1 respectfully ask-your Honour to take into consideration his clean record before this offence, apart from two convictions for drunkenness. He is willing to take put a prohibition order. Gordon.is not a lazy worker, and, according to the report of the probation officer, hjg general conduct was previously satisfactory.”. In admitting Gordon to probation, His Honour directed the accused to pay £3 12s 6d : in his possession to Edga'r, and a further 7s 6d forthwith. During the first year of his term of probation he was also ordered to pay the cost of the prosecution (£l9 6s).