YOUTHFUL BURGLARS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19512, 16 December 1926, Page 17

YOUTHFUL BURGLARS.

" IMPULSE OF BRAVADO,," UNDESIRABLE BOOKS BLAMED. TERM IN BORSTAL INSTITUTE. [by telegraph.—own coauEsMir-'&KST.] CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. Having conducted breaking and entering expeditions in the city with a revolver and ammunition in their possession William, Alfred Meagher and Jack Sydney Valentine Bott appeared for sentence in the Supreme Court before Mr. Justice MacGregor to-day. Mr. Lascelles said that Meagher was 18 years of age and came from the west coast. His crimes seemed to be the'result of a sudden impulse of bravado. They could be traced to an excessive indulgence in books by Sexton Blake, of the "Deadwood Dick" type. His Honor: What is this Sexton Blake, American or English ? Mr. Lascelles: English, I think, sir. Mr. Thomas said that Bolt was 19 years of age and had no criminal record. His Honor: Is he also a victim to this Sexton Blake ? Mr. Thomas: That I don't know. I understand that ho is; a reader of books he probably would bo a lot better without. The Judge said that both prisoners were very young. The police reported that; Bott had the master mind. They were liable to severe punishment. Both were eligible for admission to the Borstal Institute. Mr. Brown, for tliti Crown Prosecutor, said that breaking and entering was increasing in this district. Meagher was in possession of a loaded revolver when arrested. Bott ran away and a revolver was later found in his rooms. His Honor: One can only hope that they will be induced to reform after a fairly long term in the Borstal Institute. Bott will be sent to the institute for reformative treatment for a term not, exceeding three years, and Meagher will be sent to the institute for a period not exceeding two years.