CHARGE OF THEFT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21579, 5 December 1944, Page 4

CHARGE OF THEFT

CITY SHAREBROKER REMAND IN CUSTODY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 4. An amount of almost £40,000 ’.vas involved, stated Mr. \V. E. Leicester when he appeared in the Magistrate s Court this morning on behalf of. Leo Crooks, aged 47, who was charged with tlie theft of 500 shares in Consolidated Brick and Pipe Investments, Limited, valued at Cls! ss. the property of Albert Fry Falconer. Mr. Leicester said that Brooks had surrendered himself voluntarily and was assisting the police with the in-

vestigation. Counsel' asked for a remand for two weeks in custody. Mr. Leicester said Brooks was before the court last Monday on a charge of bookmaking. and while in consultation with him revealed that ho was seriously involved concerning breaches of trust and expressed willingness. to surrender to the police. After some investigation Brooks surrendered.

Counsel spoke of £4O 000 being involved, saying that it would result in 100 different charges, and added: "1 wish also to say that this man. who is known as a sharebroker, is not a member of the Wellington .Stock Exchange or of the stock exchange of nnv other centre. He is merely a privately operating agent. The ramiiications extend over seven years and it will take the best part of two or three weens to have proper statements made."

It was stated on behalf of the police that they were in agreement with Mr. Leicester's statement and a remand in police custody was asked for to enable Brooks to be kept at the police *• lotion, where he is assisting the oolice to unravel the transactions.