VAGABOND AND THIEF

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 144, 3 June 1936, Page 7

VAGABOND AND THIEF

Man Found in Private Car Shed

Three charges were preferred against James Dixon Aloss at the Hastings Magistrate’s Court, before Air. J. Miller, S.M., this morning, when he was convicted as a rogue and vagabond with insufficient lawful means of support, having previously been convicted of being an idle and disorderly person; for stealing a calico car cover valued at £l, the property of R. B. Waugh, of Havelock North, and further stealing a garden hoso valued at £l, tho property of R. B, Waugh. He was represented by Air. T. O’Dowd, and pleaded not guilty to all counts. Evidence was giver, that the accused was found by the Rev. R. B. Waugh iu a car shed, uud he Lad the car cover in his hand. Later, the garden hose was found rolled up. When questioned, the accused said he was looking for a tent to sleep in, and then asked for money to pay his fare back to Hastings. He behaved in au argumentative manner. He admitted rolling up the hose and having the cover under his arm, but denied that he intended to remove them. It was obvious that he had been drinking lately, though he was not drunk at the time be was found in the car shod. For the defence Air. O’Dowd said that tho accused was a waterside worker, of Wellington, and had been injured in Mandi last, lie had drawn insurance benefits since then, but was now permanently suffering from an injured knee, lie had previously been in Hawke's Bay, so camo in search of work. He admitted giving way to drink, lie did have au -Her of work at Petane, but a tent was required, and the accused was looking around for one. Counsel submitted that the accused had not stolen the articels. and had no intention of stealing them. His Worship said he was not satisfied with the defendant’s explanation. There were two charges of theft, but they should be considered as one. “This man is of the bullying type, and a menace to tho residents.” said His Worship iu convicting the accused on one charge of theft and on tho charge of being a rogue and vagabond. On the latter charge he was sentenced Io six' months’ imprisonment, and on the theft charge to one -i.l>nth, the terms to be cumulative.