THEFT OF BICYCLES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21150, 19 July 1943, Page 6

THEFT OF BICYCLES

SCHOOL CARETAKER TWO MONTHS’ GAOL “When imposing a penalty I must take into consideration the tact that this class of offence is too frequent in Wanganui,’’ said Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., when sentencing William Edgar Howes, aged 57, caretaker of a school, to two months’ imprisonment for stealing two bicycles. “I am bound to impose a term of imprisonment, the magistrate added, “but because of your previous good character it will be short.”

A son of accused. Victor Patrick Howes, aged 18. brushmaker, who admitted one charge of stealing a bicycle and another of receiving a stolen bicycle knowing it to have been dishonestly obtained, was admitted to probation for 12 months. “Your father's unfortunate example led you into this trouble,” said the magistrate. The elder of the accused pleaded not guilty, but the magistrate said he was bound to convict on the evidence. Counsel said it was a most extraordinary case. The elder of the accused had held responsible positions. He had found other cycles near the school grounds and had returned them to the police or the owners, but had acted foolishly with two of the machines. He had not been in trouble previously.