WOMAN SHOPLIFTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18293, 9 January 1923, Page 9

WOMAN SHOPLIFTER.

NOT FULLY RESPONSIBLE.

VICTIM OF HALLUCINATIONS.

A tall, well-dressed woman, of middleage, named Marian McLeod, appeared before Mr. J. E. Wilson, S.M., at the Police Court yesterday, on a charge of shoplifting. The accusation was that she had stolen, on December 15. two dozen stainless knives, of a value of £8 7s sd, from Rendell's, in Karangahape Road. Mr. Matthews appeared for the accused.

A shopwalker employed at the shop stated that he saw the accused take up a packet of knives and place, them under a long cape she was wearing. When, he spoke to her she produced tho knives rind said she wanted to buy them. She was detained and the police -were sent for. ' H. .R. Galium, manager of RondelPs, said that when the accused was brought to his office she pleaded to be allowed to go, stating that she had a sick child at home. He detained her until Detective-Ser-geant Issel arrived. ; _ Detective-Sergeant Issel stated that ha found in accused's basket several pieces of cutlery, which. she said she had bought. The basket; also contained fruit, ,a packet of jelly crystals, and a nail brush. Witness said that Dr. Murray, after examining the accused, had stated that she was subject to hallucinations, and would not be fully responsible for her actions."' .-;->..'..:;■!':'

Mr. Matthews said the accused was in a very unfortunate position. She was an educated woman, and spoke several languages. Of a charitable disposition, she had done good work for charitable institutions in Auckland. She had not been in trouble before. ... Accused said she took the' packet of knives from the counter and was about to inquire the price of half a dozen when sho was accosted. She denied attempting to steal the goods. ■.... ■■■:*■ - ;. ■"■'■: ■■(.':.':.

.After hearing evidence as to the woman's character, the magistrate said he ; was satisfied the accused was endeavouring to conceal the goods when she ' was spoken to. After he had read Dr. Murray's report, he said he could not very- do anything else but discharge her. The case for the police, he remarked, had quite clearly been proved. ■ ■ y