Accountant Admits Stealing £2300

Northern Advocate, 28 August 1947, Page 7

Accountant Admits Stealing £2300

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, This Day. A series of thefts from his firm of money, part of which was sent to a girl in Wellington, led to the appearance in the Police Court today of Victor William Cunningham, 53, accountant.

He was charged that, being an employee of V. E. Haughey and Co., of .Onehunga, he stole sums totalling £2300 between September 5, 1946, and March 27, 1947.

Cunningham, who pleaded guilty, said the thefts were made by drawing more from the bank than vvas necessary to pay the firm's wages. He had been doing this for about four years.

In an alleged statement to the police, produced in evidence by Detective Sharp, accused said: “It struck me that it would be quite a simple matter to make out a wages cheque for a greater amount than was required and to keep the balance for myself.” The £IOO of one theft was partly spent by himself, but the remainder had gone to a girl in Wellington, who was unaware that the money was stolen.

A partner of the firm said in evidence that Cunningham’s books were checked after he left the firm on April 24 without giving an indication that he was leaving. In a great number of cases the amount of cheques was greater than that shown on the butts. Cunningham was able to do this because the three partners were often away and signed blank cheques for wages.

Accused was committed to the Suoreme Court for sentence.