MECHANIC STEALS EMPLOYER’S GOODS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6844, 23 February 1929, Page 4

MECHANIC STEALS EMPLOYER’S GOODS

MAGISTRATE DEALS WITH CASE LENIENTLY.

A young mechanic, whose name was ordered to be suppressed, appeared yesterday morning before Mr. J. h. Stout, S.M., charged with tho theft of a number of articles from tho garage of his late employers, Messrs Justice and Edmunds. Tho goods named il the charge sheet were valued at tjj loa and included an electric bicycle lamp a pair of gauntlet gloves, a bottle of car cleaner, an electric extension lamp, sparking plugs and mechanics tools. On entering the ‘dock, the youth, who is only 18 vears of age, pleaded guilty and elected”to be dealt with summarily. He was given a good character by Detective Quirko and by one of his late cmplovers, Mr. L. Justice, who stated that ho had been a hard-working lad, who had probably fallen to a momentery temptation. However, the firm had cars in trust from their owners and ivhcn articles wero stolen, had to protect itself. Accused had lost his employment and that probably would bo sufficient punishment for him. In Hie circumstances he would ask his Worship to deal as leniently as possible with the case. Detective Quirko also stated that nothing previously was known against accused, who. had recently lost his mother and had always borne a good character. The goods taken had all been recovered. - “It is a pity that a boy with a good character like you should have given way to temptation,” said the Mag l3 ' irate, in addressing accused. You must have known that you were doing wrong and that you would be found out. However, I feel disposed to give you a chance by sentencing you to two years’ probation. I hope you will make the best use of it.” The Magistrate also agreed to accused’s request for the suppression of liis namo and ordered the stolen property to be returned to Messrs Justice and Edmunds.