Salesman Admits Thefts of Money

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 46, 25 February 1936, Page 8

Salesman Admits Thefts of Money

COMMITTED TO SUPREME COURT FOR SENTENCE A Feilding motor salesman, Leslie Eickard, was yesterday charged before Messrs W. Lowe Black and W. G. Ashworth J.P., in the Magistrate’s Court on two charges of theft. Previously accused had been faced with failing to account for portions of sums of money and had been remanded but the police withdrew these and charged accused with (1) the theft of £7O 13s 3d in money on November 25 last, he projierty of Justice and Edmunds, Palmerston North motor engineers and (2) with the theft of £53 10s on January S last, also the property of the same firm.

Detective Sergeant Bickerdike conducted the case for the police. Thomas Clarke, Feilding billiardroom proprietor, told how he had paid accused £53 10s on a car purchased from the representative of Justice and Edmunds.

Luis M. Justice, one of the principals of the city firm, explained how accused had been employed since May last on salary and commission. Part of accused’s duties had been to receive money for the firm. On November 25 last accused had received a payment of £235 13s 3d from Mr S Parkes, but only £165 had been paid in, the balance of £7O 13s 3d not having been accounted for. In January last the shortage had been noticed and accused had admitted that it had not been paid. Then on January 8 the £53 10s paid by Mr Clarke had not been accounted for.

Constable E. Compton,-acting in the detective offico in the city, next testified as to inquiries made. In a signed statement (produced) accused had admitted taking the money for his own use.

Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court at Wellington for sentence.