CAR CONVERSION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1939, Page 3

CAR CONVERSION

CHARGES AGAINST TWO MEN

(Per Press Association.—Copyright)

WELLINGTON, April 28.

. “It is impossible to extend any leniency to you. You have already been before the Court on a similar charge and the whole circumstances show that; you were the guiding factor in this offence,” said Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Courtin Wellington to-day when sentencing Campbell Alexander Collin, a hairdresser. aged .27. to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour'for car conversion. Stanley Manson, a. storeman, aged 23, who was similarly charged, was admitted to probation for two years, a special, condition being that he. jbe prohibited from intoxicating liquor during that period. Mr 11. R. C. Wild, who appeared for Manson. submitted that his client, was not the instigator and that his offence was due to liquor and gross foolishness. Both men were charged jointly with converting a motor-car valued at £2OO, the property of Charles Edward Odin., in Levin on April 15, and on the same date in Wellington converting a motor-car valued at £250, the property-of. Patrick-Norman. The accused pleaded guilty tu both charges. Detective-Sergeant P. Doyle, who prosecuted, said that both accused ha-1 several drinks before, taking Norman's

car with tho object of going to Palm-; erston North. Near Manukau the cai was driven off the road and consider-, ably damaged. It was abandoned iu Levin, where another car was con-, verted. After being driven to Palmerston North this car was damaged to the extent of £3l. Collin was before the Court in 1936, when he was fined £5 for car conversion. Manson had not previously tyeen hi trouDle. Malison was ordered to make restitution of £2O toward the cost of the damage to Norman's car.