ATTEMPT TO ROB

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 19 August 1933, Page 7

ATTEMPT TO ROB

PALMERSTON BANK INCIDENT PLEA OF GUILTY (By Telegraph—Press Association) PALMERSTON N., 18th August. _ Arising out of the sensational incident at a local bank last Friday, William Murn MacDonald, a mechanic, aged 19, appeared before Justices of the Peace to-day and was charged that, being armed with a loaded roolyor, he attempted to rob William London, a teller of the Union Bank of Australia. Other charges were prefer’ed as follows :—Breaking and entering the dwelling of Henry Morgan on Ist August with intent to commit a crime; on 3rd August, with stealing from the Milson Aerodrome a cheque for £4 Os 6d and 2s 6d in cash; on 10th August, at Pahiatua, with intent to defraud, by means of a valueless cheque he obtained goods to the value of 9s 6d, and £4 Os 6d in cash; on Bth August, at Masterton, breaking and entering by night a dwellinghouse and stealing several articles and cheque forms of a total value of £3l7s. ' ■'l

Constable Compton gave, evidence that , when he arrested the accused he found in his possession a seven-cham-bered revolver fully cocked, and five live cartridges. Subsequently the accused stated that he had made up his mind to get some money from the bank. After waiting about the premises for some time he had entered and presented a note, and later had dashed away,_ . ... . .. The teller, William Loudon, said that the note presented by the accused demanded £2OO in single notes, with the warning, “I have you covered. If you attempt to give an alarm I will shoot you. I’m desperate. Don’t hesitate.” Witness said that he fired shots to give the alarm. After further evidence had been heard the accused pleaded guilty on the first four charges, and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. He was remanded to appear at Masterton on a fifth charge.