COURT NEWS

Grey River Argus, 5 December 1938, Page 8

COURT NEWS

THEFT FROM EMPLOYER. CHRISTCHURCH, December 3.. “You have a record for dishonesty that is just about as bad as it can be for a youth of your age, and it is a question of whether it is not our duty to the community to commit you to an institution straight away,” said Mr F. F. Reid, S.M., in the Children’s Court to-day, when a boy aged sixteen appeared on a charge of stealing £4 7s 8d from his employer. The accused admitted the offence and was placed under the care of the Child Welfare Officer for two years. He was also ordered to make restitution. Mrs T. Green, J.P., was also on the Bench. “You have been in and out of different positions and your dismissal in practically every case has been due to dishonesty,” added the Magistrate “You are a mean type of thief and it is with very great reluctance that I personally allow you to go free, as I have a feeling that I am not doing my duty to the community. If evei’ you come before me again you are going to Borstal. That will be your fate and I mean what I say.” For the police, Detective D. McKenzie said that the youth had been employed by a butcher. When it was found that the boy had been stealing he was dismissed and had promised to make restitution. He had given a false address and investigations had revealed additional thefts. It was only fair to the boy to say that apparently most of the money had been spent on fruit for his sick mother. Mr K. J. McMenamin said that he had had a discussion with the boy and from the latter’s attitude he felt that the Court was not likely to be troubled with the boj' again as he had a firm intention of turning over a new leaf.