MONEY HIDDEN IN BOOT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19321, 7 May 1926, Page 14

MONEY HIDDEN IN BOOT.

GUILTY OF THEFT OF £IOO. MAN ADMITTED TO PROBATION. To him an opportunity io lead a respectable life, Mr. Justice Herdrnan extended leniency to Maurice Roche, aged 48 yen it- , who pleaded guilty at the Supremo Court yesterday to the theft of £IOO from William Patrick McGlynn. Roche was admitted to probation for a term of two years. • Mr. A. Moody, who appeared for the accused, said that Roche came to town with a fairly substantial chff|ue and started to drink. McGlynn had authorised counsel to ask the Court, if possible, to extend leniency to the prisoner. McGlynn was prepared to take Roche back to the King Country with him.

Mr. Moody said that the stolen money was found in Roche's boot. If the prisoner had had possession of his ordinary faculties, Roche could have given McGlynn " the slip." Roche had been in trouble 15 years ago and had been imprisoned for 20 days. He had not been in trouble since.

His Honor: The police say that he has been leading an aimless life. Mr. Moody thought that this was really a case where prisoner might be placed on probation. " Well, I'll give him probation," said the Judge after deliberation. His Honor added that he had no doubt that Roche had it in his mind to steal the money, hut the fact that both he and McGlynn "had been drinking together and were on friendly terms influenced His Honor in extending leniency. Ruche was placed on probation for two years, subject to the usual conditions. He is also to report to the probation officer once a month. An order was made for the return of the money. Roche was also ordered to pay the sum of £8 toward the cost of the prosecution, two months being allowed in which to pay.