ROSSITER AND RINGS

Northern Advocate, 7 August 1934, Page 4

ROSSITER AND RINGS

JUDGE LENIENT

(Special to "Northern Advocate.”) AUCKLAND, This Day. Found guilty of the theft of a purse ; containing several gold rings and a gold watch valued at £pfi, at Whangarci, Laurie Fossiter, a seaman, aged 20, Avas this morning sentenced by Mr. Justice. Fair. “He has an unblemished record,” said Mr. W. Noble, in defence of Fossiter. “He has led a reputable life. When lie picked up this purse in the street he apparently believed that ! lie was entitled to dispose of the goods when nobody claimed, them. It is quite obvious that he is not a hardened criminal. The probation officer seems to put a sinister complexion on the pockets he had in his coat, but these Avore quite ordinary pockets, with holes in the lining. His Honour told Fossiter he could not accept his explanation that he did not know he was doing wrong. Ho had noAV been in goal for three weeks, and ! His Honour did not propose to extend that period, nor did he propose to extend probation. He relied on the prisoner’s oavu character and resolution to keep on the straight path. Fossiter was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment until the rising of'the Court, which meant that he was released immediately.