A DEFECTIVE'S MONEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19214, 31 December 1925, Page 10

A DEFECTIVE'S MONEY.

ALLEGATION OF THEFT. SUM OF £2OO WITHDRAWN. i ACCUSED SENT FOR TRIAL. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Certain transactions with a Post Office Savings Bank account' belonging to a mental defective were investigated at the Magistrate's Court to-day, when Charles Goodman, a young man, was charged with tho theft of £2OO. Sub-inspector Kemp, who prosecuted, said the accused had been working at Petone and had a room-mato who, for some time, had not been strong menially. The evidence would show that, on November 24 last, at Goodman's direction, his room-mato drew £2OO from his account, that he was mentally deficient, and that ho was committed to a j mental hospital After obtaining the raonev Goodman and a companion went for a holiday and did not return until December 15. Dr. J. R. Boyd said that on November 17 the accused brought a man to witness' consulting rooms in Boulcott Street. Witness made an examination of the man, whom he found to be of unsound mind. On November 24 witness again saw him and considered that he was not capable of appreciating a business transaction. As the man had no home witness considered that he should be committed to a mental hospital. Evidence was also given by Dr. O. J. Reid, who said after making an examination he found that the man was feebleminded. Goodman did not tell witness of the withdrawal of the money before the examination. Witness considered that the patient had the mind of a child. William H. McGowan, carpenter, said that on November 24 witness and Goodman went into the Post Office Savings Bank with the man, who made out a form and handed it across the counter with his book. When he received his money he gave it to Goodman, saying, "Here, take this." The party called at a bank while Goodman went inside the premises and then they went to see Dr. Boyd. After calling at the Magistrate's Court a taxi-cab was hired and the man was taken to tho Porirua Mental Hospital. Later Goodman said that ha had received a present of £2OO from him. The next day witness and Goodman went for a holiday to Auckland and New Plymouth, Oil December 15, the day after they arrived home, Goodman was interviewed by detectives. Before seeing the detectives Goodman gave witness £2O. In reply to counsel witness said Goodman was the only person' who would look after the. man and ho did not think it was strange for Goodman to receive a present. Goodman pleaded not guilty, and was committed to the Supremo Court for tiial. Bail, of £250 was renewed.