THEFT OF METAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LV, Issue 4492, 16 May 1935, Page 2

THEFT OF METAL.

EIGHTEEN MONTHS’ HARD LABOUR. Sentence of eighteen months’ imprisonment with hard labour was passed by His Honour, Mr Justice Smith, in the Palmerston N. Supreme Court on Tuesday, on Keith Elford iCi'aig, metal dealer, aged 33, who had been found, guilty of the theft of metal valued at £2O at Linton.

Prisoner, before sentence was passed, said that since undergoing a sentence of six months’ imprisonment three years ago he had only been in trouble once. He did- not ask for leniency himself but aslketl how his wife and child would fare if he was placed in gaol. He had already been on remand for six weeks.

His Honour said that prisoner had been convicted of false pretences in June, of. 1930, trespassing on a racecourse in 1931, theft in 1931, three charges of theft in February, of 1932, theft in June of 1933, and false pretences in September, 1934.

Prisoner said he had only served six months’ imprisonment to date.

“It ’seems quite plain,” said His Honour to prisoner, “that you have embarked upon a course of dishonesty. This consists of continual charges of theft and two of false pretences. You are addicted to selfish conduct without regard to the interests of others, and that kind of conduct can pnly be met by some discouragement.

“You say you have only served six months’ imprisonment so far; you will be sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment with hard labour.” An order was made for the return of the stolen metal to its owner.