Siphoned Benzine From Car Tank

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6839, 21 April 1932, Page 3

Siphoned Benzine From Car Tank

TWO YOUTHS GIVEN A CHANCE. George Smith and Clifford George Bush, two youths, of Ashhurst, who had previously pleaded guilty, appeared on remand before Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., in tho Magistrate’s Court at Palmerston North yesterday on a charge of attempting to steal three gallons of benzino from George Pinfold at Bunnythorpe. Mr. Ongley, who appeared for accused, stated that they wero driving a light truck when it ran out of benzine at Bunnythorpo. They found the petrol station closed and tried to borrow benzine, procuring an empty tin. They found Mr. Pinfold’s car unoccupied when they approached it and decided to siphon out some benzine. It was an unpremeditated offence and .they had not set out to commit a theft. Neither of them had criminal instincts and they came of respectable parents. Both had been in custody for two days. The Magistrate said the offence of siphoning benzine from a car tank was a serious offence, as it might leave a driver stranded in an emergency, lie would give the youths a chance and admit them to' probation for 12 months, a condition being that Smith was not to be out after 10.30 o’clock at night. •