GIVEN A CHANCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 220, 15 August 1927, Page 6

GIVEN A CHANCE.

CREDIT OBTAINED BY FRAUD. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Aug. 14. - In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning Percy Edward Whittall pleaded guilty to having obtained credit by fraud to the extent of £2 from James Bayley. Chief Detective Cameron said that accused became involved in Oamaru in negotiations for the purchase of a car, and gave a valueless cheque in the process, but the car was not delivered. He was, however, driven about a lot, and was brought to Dunedin in the car,’ which he made out that he contemplated purchasing. It was on the question of costs incurred in connection with this drive that the present charge was laid. He might have been charged with false pretences, but the police in the northern district had decided not to proceed. Accused said he was intoxicated at the time of the offence, though he was not really a drinker. Occasionally, when his nerves went back on him/he took a few whiskies, and then lost control of himself. For a year to two years,, perhaps, he would not touch drink!

The chief detective said that inquiries in Oamaru had failed to bring evidence that accused was drunk at the time, or showed any signs of liquor. Accused: That is a strange thing. I am more sober-! ooking when drunk than I am when sober. I cannot understand it myself. The magistrate (Mr Bartholomew) said he would give accused a chance on this condition. He would be convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within 12 months. There did not seem to be any necessity for accused to be prohibited.