THE SHAW CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3438, 16 September 1913, Page 7

THE SHAW CASE.

PRISONER SENTENCED IX) THREE YEARS’. HISTORY OF HIS TRANSACTIONS. [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM] TIMARH, Sept. 15. At the Supreme' Court to-day. TV alter Shaw,' solicitor, pleaded guilty to ten charges of abuse of trusts (the total of the sums involved was £6700) and one charge of false pretences. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. It was .stated that Shawls total liabihties are about £50,000. His assets are not fully ascertained, but will probably be equal to between 2s 6d and os in the £. " Mr. Solomon, Iv.C., of Dunedin, appeared for accused. He stated that lie was bound to admit the charges, and that Shaw had placed under suspicion a profession which could not be too jealously guarded. Shaw was 36 years of age, and had been in Timaru from, boyhood. He had a most promising career, and was held in.high esteem. People readily placed money in his care on deposit. He. became connected with ope named Trevurza, a land speculator, aipl Shaw lent him deposit moey to finance speculations. Trevuiza speculated largely and carried Slfaw off his feet. He had.to pay interest to his cheats, while getting nothing from Trevnrza. Trevurza bought properties which brought in nothing,-and were unrealisable. Pressed by his clients for their money, Shaw .sold his properties at much less than he gave for ‘them, and in 12 or IS months lie was in difficulties, hut hoped to - recover by good realisations, which did not eventuate, and then ho began using• trust moneys to tide over bis immediate • difficulties. His affairs became Inextricably confused and his mind also, so that be could not do what he. should have done—namely, called his creditors together. Literally he robbed Peter to pay Paul, but did not always pay Paul. It was in his favor that !he stayed to face his disgrace and take bis punishment.' Apart from liis specuiativ.ns, he lived a clean life. For the sake of Shaw’s girl wife and infant child Mr Solomon asked for .the fullest leniency..

In reply to Hjs Honor, Mr White (Crtnvn prosecutor)'said Sit aw Is crime would mean absolute ruin to sonic of his clients. There were dozens of other cases besides the £6700 referred to in the charges. The embezzlements took place very 'shortly after his <,onnection with Trevvirza. The case of false-pretences was a sale of property that did not belong to him. His Honor said it was a very painful case, but also a very serious offence. After making every allowance for accused’s lack of business ability and considering that his career as a solicitor had been ruined, lie must sentence him to three years’ imprisonment. .