Stole Jewellery While at Party

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 May 1934, Page 3

Stole Jewellery While at Party

THREE YOUNG MARRIED WOMEN GIVEN PROBATION

WELLINGTON, Last Night

Submissions that the theft of jewellery was the result of what counsel described as "a drunken party," that accused were not possessed of a criminal mind, and that there was a complete absence of mens rea was advanced by counsel in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when three young married women were charged with the theft of five rings ami a necklace, of a value of £3S K)s, belonging to the wife of Squadron-Leader (x. L. Stedman, of the Wellington Aero Club. Accused were Valma Sinden, Moiia Amalic and Eileen Johnston.

It T .vas stated on their behalf that they had taken the jewellery while at a party at Squadron-Leader Stedmau's house, not knowing what they were doing. Realising the position later,' they endeavoured to return the articles and actually handed them over to a man, George Alexander Low, a canvasser, were not received by the Stedmans.

The women chose to be dealt with summarily, while Low, who was charged also with theft, elected to be tried by the Supreme Court. The women were admitted to probation for two years, an application for suppression of their names being refused. A statement by Low that he had posted the jewellery on March 2 and. could not understand it not arriving was read. Further evidence against him will be heard to-morrow.

It was stated in evidence that Squad-ron-Leader Stedman and his wife had. permitted members of the Aero Club to use their home for a party and were not themselves present.