PROBATION REFUSED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20493, 1 March 1941, Page 8

PROBATION REFUSED

BURGLARY ADMITTED GAOL FOR YOUNG MAORI Probation was refused by Mr. Justice Johnston in the Supreme Court yesterday when dealing with the case of a young Maori who had pleaded guilty to several charges involving breaking and entering and thefts from dwellings. His' Honour said that the prisoner. Rangf Tukupua, had a previous conviction for theft, and that he now appeared in danger of making a practice of petty crime. Mr. D. W. lies, appearing for the prisoner, said that Tukupua was not of the type usually found charged with house-breaking, and when apprehended did not give any trouble to the woman who discovered him in her, house in Kaiti. The nature of the thefts suggested foolishness rather than desperation, and counsel pointed out that association with more sophisticated criminals in gaol probably would do irreparable damage to a character still capable ot being retrieved it leniency were extended to the prisoner. An uncle in the country' was prepared to lake Tukupua under his direct control. His Honour did not think the case one for probation, since the prisoner had previously been convicted for theft. The prisoner would be sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.