THEFT OF LEATHER

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1939, Page 6

THEFT OF LEATHER

TANNERIES EMPLOYEE CHARGED. (Per Press Association.—Copyright). CHRISTCHURCH, May T. “I think a substantial fine hit this man in the right spot,” l said Mr W. R. Lascelles to the Magistrate, Mr E. C. Levvey, in Court' this morning when defending Sydney Brewer, aged 57, who was charged with stealing quantities of leather valued 1 at £l9, the property of the Woolston Tanneries.

“Under the circumstances, I will regard his case in a different light from usual. The accused will be convicted and fined £10,” said the Magistrate. Detective-Sergeant Sinclair * said Brewer had teen in the employ of the Woolston Tanneries for nineteen years. Detective Thompson had interviewed Brewer, who admitted having stolen leather, and having sold it to a city saddler. Mr R. Lascelles said Brewer’s overkeeness in his labour sympathies, and his desire to help the ‘'under-dog” had led to the thefts. As a result of these sympathies, lie had begun to suspect his firm might dismiss him, and to provide for himself should they take this action, he had stolen leather and sold it. The thefts were not committed with any criminal intentions. Brewer’s wife was in poor health, and j he was faced with heavy medical ex- 1 penditure besides having lost his posf- ; tion. i