DESPICABLE OFFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 23728, 8 November 1940, Page 6

DESPICABLE OFFENCE

THEFT FROM GARDEN PLOT YOUNG WOMAN BEFORE COURT “ An offence of this nature is a most despicable one,” said the magistrate (Mr H. W. Bundle) in respect of a charge in the Police Court to-day against a young woman of the theft of flowers from a garden plot in Broadway. “ The flowers are put in for the beautification of the city, 1 ’ His Worship added, “ and every citizen should assist the, efforts of the council to beautify the city.” Senior-sergeant Vaughan said that at 11.50 p.m. on October 25 Constable Dwan was on duty in Broadway, having special instructions to keep- a lookout for anyone interfering with the blooms. The constable saw the defendant picking up the blooms. She ran away, but the constable caught up with her, and she denied taking the flowers. Last montft 300 tulip bulbs were taken, but it was not suggested that the defendant had anything to do with the matter previously. Mr G. W. Ferens. who appeared for the defendant, said he thought it would be appreciated that this was an impulsive act. The offence had been the foolish act of a woman walking home at night. Thirteen .blooms were involved, and two bulbs came out when the flowers were being picked. The defendant was fined 20s and costs, Mr Ferens stating that it was with diffidence that he asked for suppression of the name. “ I have considerable hesitation in prohibiting publication of the name, because publication is the greatest public deterrent for nmoffeuce of this nature,” said the Magistrate. The facts put before him concerning the defendant’s position, however, ho thought justified his milking an order forbidding publication of the name.. His Worship also intimated that in any other cases of a similar nature, sneak-thieviug from the reserves, would he treated as a serious matter. Offenders would deserve to he sent to gaol wtihout the option of a fine.