SOLICITOR SENT TO GAOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15407, 16 September 1913, Page 8

SOLICITOR SENT TO GAOL.

ABUSE OF TRUST MONEY.

PAINFUL FEATURES OF CASE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Timabvt, Monday. In the Supreme Court to-day Walter Shaw, solicitor, pleaded guilty to 10 charges of abuse of trust money (the total of sums involved being £6700), and to one charge of false pretences. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

It was stated that Shaw's total liabilities were about £50,000. His assets were not fully ascertained, but were probably equal to between 2s 6d and 5s in the £1.

Mr. S. Solomon, K.C., Dunedin, who appeared for accused, stated that he Was bound'to admit the charges, and that he had placed under suspicion a profession which could not be too jealously guarded. Shaw was 36 years of age, and had been in Timaru from his boyhood. He had nad a most promising career, and held the high esteem of people who readily placed money in his care on deposit. He became connected with a' land speculator, and Shaw lent him deposited money to finance speculations.

The man speculated largely and carried Shaw off his feet. Ho had to pay interest to his clients while getting nothing from the speculations. Pressed by his clients for their money Shaw sold properties at much less than he gave for them, and in 12 or 18 months was in difficulties. Hoping to recover bv good realisations, which did not eventuate, he then began using trust moneys to tide over immediate difficulties. His affairs became inextricably confused and his mind also, so that he could not do what he should have done, namely, call his creditors together. It was in his favour that he stayed to face his disgrace, and take the punishment. For the sake of Shaw'B,»wife and infant child, Mr. Solomon asked for the fullest possible measure of leniency. In reply to His Honor, Mr. Waite, Crown Prosecutor, said Shaw's crime would mean absolute ruin to some of his clients.

His Honor said it was a very painful case, but also a very serious offence. After making every allowance' for accused's lack of business ability, and considering that his career as a solicitor had been rained, he must sentence him to three years' imprisonment.