IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18946, 18 February 1925, Page 12

IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT.

TOOLS AND CLOCK STOLEN. ROMAN PENALTY FOR DRINK. "I have preriocsly expressed mj intention to give gaol to a man who steals mother's tools," slated Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., in the Police Court yt-sterdny, ■when two charges of theft., on or about February 7; of a quantity of carpenter's tools, valued at £l3 9s, and on or about December 30, of a clock valued at £lO, xvero admitted by William James Hart, aged 45 (Mr. Fenncll). Evidence was given by Acting-Detective McWhirter that accused was employed on the. King's Wharf. He broke into a shed and stole tools belonging to Albert W. Perry, which he sold to a second-hand dealer for £2 10k. The dock was stolen from the residence of Canon C. 11. Grant Cowen, and was also sold to a dealer. Chief-Detective Cammings said accused had four previous convictions, including three years' imprisonment for theft from is, dwelling. Mr. Fcnnell submitted that accused's oilences frerc clue to drink, and he was prepared to take out a prohibition order. He had a wife and eight children, from 20 to four years of age. Mr. Poyhton: Drink is nc excuse. The Honiara punished a man doubly if lie committed an offence while drunk. He cannot shelter behind his family, and besides, this is not hi:; first lapse. Ona month's imprisonment on each of the two charges was imposed, the sentences to be cumulative. The articles stolen were ordered to be returned to the owners.