MONEY BY THREATS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 30 July 1930, Page 9

MONEY BY THREATS

GUILTY ON FOUR CHARGES

ARRESTED AFTER TWO YEARS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND July 29.

Offences alleged to have been committed over two years ago formed the basis of a series of changes relating to extortion of money by threats, which were made against ..Gordon McKenna, ilias George McWilliams, in the Supreme Court before Mr Justice Smith, three charges related to the same ;set if circumstances. _ On April 13, 1928, McKenna was alleged to have with lien aces demanded £6O from Hugh Goner with intent to steal, to' have stolen £4O from Gilmer, and to have assaulted jrilmer. A fourth charge was that on April 28. 1928, with menaces, he denanded from Gilmer £2O with; intent to steal. Counsel for the Grown said evidence could be given that'as 1 , the result ,of breatis Gilmer parted with £4O, which va,s ail he had in the house at the time. In a later date accused returned; with ’liother man to demand another £2O, making the £6O which he, had originilly demanded. The. c-iraum stances vere unsual. and the jury might oon•lude. that Gilmer had been rather venk in being frightened by a,coursed md paying over the. money. Although, a warrant had been issued lust after the events alleged, no trace fad been found of the accused until he raw recognised in Queen Street and arested on Alav 17 last. After a .retirement of an hour the jury returned with a. verdict of guilty -m 'alii counts, adding a rider that indiscretion cn the-nart of Gilmer had been i. contributing factor. His Honour said the recommendation vou'lcl certainly be taken into' account vhen sentence was being passed!. McKenna was reman'ded until the close of the criminal session.