Youth Stole Diamond Ring Valued At £35

Northern Advocate, 23 August 1943, Page 5

Youth Stole Diamond Ring Valued At £35

Theft of a diamond ring valued at £35, the property of the wife of his employer, was admitted by William Kelly. 18, in the Whangarei Court today. Defective-Sergeant J. B. Finlay said that after receiving a complaint that the ring was missing, lie had interviewed Kelly, who had admitted taking it from the bathroom of the house. Never previously in trouble. Kelly had been in the army, but had been found to be under age and had been placed on indefinite leave without pay. He had not realised the value of the ring, while lie had made no attempt to dispose of it. His employer wished to retain his services. Kelly told the magistrate (Mr. Ray-** rnond Ferncr) that he was sorry for his action, particularly as his employer uaci been so good to him. "It seems that some people think well of you and your employer is one of them," the magistrate said to Kelly, after perusing the probation officer's report. “Notwithstanding, I think this was a mean theft. You will be admitted to probation for two years and ii will be a condition that you keep away from billiard saloons.”