CONVERSION OF CARS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19511, 15 December 1926, Page 17

CONVERSION OF CARS.

TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT. YOUNG MAN'S SECOND OFFENCE. "PROBATION ONLY A FARCE." Charges of unlawfully converting to his use on November 27 a motor-car valued at £250, the property of Clifford Francis Wren, and of failing to comply with the terms of probation were preferred against Frederick Nicholas Lindblom, aged 26 (Mr. Sullivan), in the Police Court yesterday. Accused pleaded guilty to both, charges. Chief-Detective Cummings said Wren left his cai' in Queen Street about 5.30 p.m. on Saturday, November 27, and on returning half-an-hour later found it had disappeared. It was later traced to Nelson Street, where accused asked a man to supply him with benzine. The man refused, as accused was under the influence of liquor. Accused went only as far as Nelson Street, as there was not sufficient benzine in the car to take him further. , Mr. Cummings added that accused had previously been convicted of unlawful conversion of a motor-car. Mr. W. J. Campbell, probation officer, said accused was admitted to probation for unlawful conversion of a car at Hamilton in January, 1925. He had been before the Court on several occasions since then. "This is the worst case I have had on probation," added Mr. Campbell. "It is only a farce with him." The Magistrate, Mr. Hunt: Well, you will not have him for seme time now. Mr. Sullivan asked that accused should not be sent to prison. He had been extremely unfortunate and had only just come out of gaol. It was owing to drink that he had taken the car. He might be prohibited and given another chanco. The magistrate read accused's list and remarked that he had, been treated leniently iin the past. He had 11 convictions during the past two years and had twice been convicted of assault. "He does not appreciate probation," said Mr. Hunt, in imposing sentence of three months.' imprisonment on each charge, the terms to be concurrent.

AIT OFFENCE AT BLENHEIM. MAN DESERTS HIS FAMILY. John Thomas Alexander Gibson, aged 37, pleaded guilty to unlawful conversion. of a motor-car, valued at £l6O, the property of Mary Hill, at Blenheim 011 August 18, and of failing to maintain his wife and two children. Senior-Sergeant Edwards said accused had elected to be dealt with in Auckland instead of being taken back to Blenheim. He had deserted his wife and children at Blenheim and had taken a motor-car and driven to Nelson, abandoning the car there. He had then come to the North Island. Accused was sentenced to one month s imprisonment and was ordered to pay £1 10s a week toward the maintenance of his wife and children, the first payment to be made in six weeks' time.