HOKITIKA THEFTS

Grey River Argus, 9 February 1938, Page 2

HOKITIKA THEFTS

TERM OF IMPRISONMENT IMPOSED. Appearing on remand from Hokitika, in the Magistrate’s Court at Greymouth yesterday before Mr. Raymond Ferner, S.M., Robert Bruce McKinley, 37, described as a painter, was charged (1) that, on February 5, at Hokitika, he stole one shirt, valued at 5s 6d, and one pair of trousers, valued at £2, the property of William White; (2) that, on February 5, at Hokitika, he stole one suitcase and contents, of the total value of £6, the property of Gordon Bell. McKinley was also charged with drunkenness He pleaded guilty to all of the charges and elected to be dealt with summarily. Sergeant F. R. Ebbett said that accused was released from Paparua prison on January 30, after serving six months for theft and false pretences. He came to Hokitika, in bad company, and had been going around the hotels, in search of cheap liquor. He stole the shirt and trousers from White’s bach and was wearing them when arrested. The suitcase was stolen by accused from an hotel.- After his arrest for drunkenness, he admitted the thefts. He had a long list of previous convictions. Accused admitted getting drunk, and said that his troubles were all the result of drink. He was willing to take out a prohibition order. He had work to go to in Hokitika, and he asked for a chance.

The Magistrate said that accused had every chance, including the benefits of probation. He had collected a list of 27 previous convictions, mostly for theft. For stealing the suitcase, he would be sentenced to two months’ imprisonment, with hard labour; for stealing the shirt and trousers, he would be sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour, the sentences to be concurrent; for drunkenness, he would be convicted and discharged. -