CRIPPLED SAFE-BLOWER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 177, 30 June 1925, Page 10

CRIPPLED SAFE-BLOWER.

BACK TO GAOL AGAIN. NATIVE OF NEW ZEALAND. SYDNEY, June 19. It lias now been ascertained that the crippled safe-blower, Reginald L. McCleod, is a native of New Zealand. McCleod came before the Sydney sessions this week to answer charges in connection with his recent arrest. In spite of the fact that he lost his right arm and left eye in an explosion while lie was trying to blow open the safe of a suburban hotel in October of last year, McCleod had no scruples, immediately after his release fiVjm gaol in May, of putting a charge of gelignite in the office safe of a city warehouse. The explosion was heard by a constable, and police surrounded the- building. McCleod tried to escape, but ran into the arms of the police. On a charge of having broken into the Building with intent to commit- a felony, McCleod pleaded guilty. The Judge pessed sentence ol two years and declared him an habitual criminal. Evidence was given that when McCleod was charged with the crime of last year, the presiding Judge was so moved to pity through the terrible injuries the prisoner had suffered in the explosion, that he passed sentence of only three months’ imprisonment. In a statement from the dock, McCleod said that after his release in May he had only Is in his pocket lie was too ashamed to beg, The Prisoners’ Aid Society had not assisted him. Owing to his disabilities he was not able to get work. Doctors had informed him that the sight of the other eye was failing, and that he was doomed to blindness. In passing sentence, tlie Judge said it was true that McCleod had been shocking injured, but this was due to his enterprises in crime. He was a very dangerous man. He would be taught an industry in gaol. McCleod: 1 have no home or friends here. Deport me to New Zealand where my people live.