SUPREME COURT

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 May 1931, Page 7

SUPREME COURT

x YOUTHFUL THIEVES. [PER press association.] DUNEDIN, May 8. Hazel Mervyn Gaffney, 18, and Alfred Vernal Walker, 16J, were this morning sentenced, the former to 2| years and the latter to two years’ Borstal detention, by Justice Kennedy, on various charges of breaking and entering. Counsel suggested that the cause of Gaffney’s crimes was over-addiction to pernicious sensational literature. In regard to Gaffney throwing a knife at the pursuing detective, counsel urged that carrying knives was only youthful bravado, and there had been no intention to hit the detective. The Judge commented that he had no doubt the formidable weapon was thrown to disable the detective. TAXI-DRIVER CONVICTED. AUCKLAND, May 7. The case in which John Lewis Gunning, taxi-driver, was charged with attempted arson at W. S. Miller’s drapery shop, Dominion Road, in the early hours of March 15, was concluded in the Supreme Court before Mr Justice Herdman. Evidence was given that the accused was in the vicinity of the fire on the night referred to. The Fire Brigade noticed a strong smell of methylated spirits at the scene of the fire. said that he was at home on the night of the fire. His wife corroborated his evidence. The jury found the accused guilty, adding that the accused had been influenced by some person or persons. Sentence was deferred.