TOMB AS HIDING-PLACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19156, 23 October 1925, Page 15

TOMB AS HIDING-PLACE.

THEFT CHARGES ADMITTED. MAN'S MENTALITY QUESTIONED. Doubt as to the mental condition of Frederick Oswald Sakey, who concealed stolen property in Symonds Street cemetery, was raised by his coonsel in the Police Court yesterday. Eight charges of theft and two of breaking and entering the premises of the Lyric Talkeries and of Martha Bridgens and stealing goods and money were preferred. The total value of the property involved in the charges was £lls 19s. Detective Barling said that he and Detective Craigie accompanied accused to Symonds Street Cemetery, where accused pointed out a family vault in the gully. In the vault witness found two gramophones and a violin bow and case. They then went to another part of the' cemetery on the opposite side of the street, and found a parcel containing cheques and papers concealed under a tombstone. All the articles were identified as those stolen from the Lyric Talkeries. Mr. Matthews, who appeared for accused, entered a formal plea of guilty and asked that accused should be medically examined while in custody, as ."here was some doubt as to his mental condition. The. man had complained that he heard noises and people talking about him. •

Chief-Detective Cummings agreed to the request made by counsel. Accused was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was not sought..