PUNISHMENT FOR CRIME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 43, 20 January 1926, Page 8

PUNISHMENT FOR CRIME.

SENTENCES AT AUCKLAND. EX-BANK MANAGER SENT TO GAOL. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Jan. 20. At the- Supreme Court His Honour, Mr Justice Stringer, sentenced George Joseph Marshall to five years’ imprisonment for assault, with intent to rob, and bigamy; On the night of November 6 Marshall waited for the manager of -,ho Newmarket branch of the Auckland Savings Bank and presented a loaded revolver. Mr Reedy pleaded that Marshall had led a blameless life for 61 years. He had been manager of the Ponsonby branch of the Savings Bank, whose employ he left, owing to the condition of his health, five years ago. Since then he had helped financially two sons to the extent of £IOOO, and their failure resulted in breaking up his health.

The judge commended the courage and promptitude of tho manager in rushing the man with a loaded revolver, which had saved the bank the loss of a large sum of money. Robert Ruff, on five charges of false pretences, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and declared an habitual criminal. The judge characterised him as an impudent swindler, and referred to the people whom he had tricked out of nearly £6OO as simpletons. Matthew Murphy and Albert Alfred Ellis, for breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime, were sentenced to three years’ probation. The offence was committed under the influence of liquor. Harapene Ilohapa Kapa, for carnal knowledge, received 12 months’ imprisonment, and Kareti Takarua, for a similar charge, two years’ probation. Papi Rangi, for theft from the person, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. A youth of 20, described as the son of a wealthy Whangarei man, was allowed three years’ probation for the theft of £66 from a boot shop. Tho judge suppressed his namie owing to special circumstances. Ei-nest William Gibbs, for arson, breaking and entering and theft, four charges, was sentenced to three years’ reformative detention. James McPherson, who forged two cheques of £5 10s and £7, and spent the money at tho races, was sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to make restitution.