SUPREME COURT

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1939, Page 2

SUPREME COURT

CHRISTCHURCH CASES. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] .CHRISTCHURCH, October 17. Al; the sitting of the Supreme Court, to-day, before Mr. Justice Northcroft, Chang Chew Chong, an elderly Chinese, who was described by counsel as somewhat foolish, in spite of his years, was convicted of the theft of £835. The money was stolen from two Chinese fruiterers by another Chinese, and hidden in Chong’s shop. The jury, with its verdict, brought in a strong recommendation for mercy, after a. retirement of 20 minutes. Accused was remanded for sentence. An interpreter was used for much of the evidence, and when the charge was translated to accused, he vigorously denied theft, but in a statement to the police he admitted taking the money. In his summing up, his Honor said a thief left money at. the house of Chong, and it. was for the jury to say whether accused knew the money was stolen. His Honor suggested that on this point the jury need go no further than accused’s statement’to the police, in which he said that, he knew the money must have been left there by the thief.. A verdict of not. guilty was returned in the case in which Hector William John McLean, a taxi-driver, of Ashburton, was charged with negligent. driving and causing death. The jury was out for 15 minutes, and after the verdict was given, accused was discharged.

PROBATION GRANTED. LENIENCY TO YOUNG MEN. DUNEDIN, October 17. “AA T hen I read the depositions I did not feel very much inclined to give any of you probation, but I really have been impressed with what, counsel has said in regard to all three,” said Mr. Justice Ostler in the Supreme Court to-day when three young men, Martin Thomas Atkinson, Sydney William Jarvis, and Nui Karetai. appeared for sentence. Atkinson and Jarvis appeared on a charge of breaking and entering and theft; Atkinson, Jarvis and Karetai on four charges of breaking and entering; and Atkinson and Karetai on a ’charge of attempting to break and enter. It 'was stated by counsel that Jarvis had been u member of the Air Force, utter working; Ills way to lGjig.land, and that ho returned to Dunedin after being; dismissed. He had since enlisted, and now had been accepted as a member of the flying reserve. His Honor said that he should be able to do useful work for the Empire. AH three prisoners were admitted to probation for two years.