SHOPLIFTING CHARGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19699, 27 July 1927, Page 14

SHOPLIFTING CHARGES.

OFFENCES BY A MAN. UNDER INFLUENCE OF LIQUOR. TWO WEEKS' IMPRISONMENT. " I have not the slightest recollection of what became of me yesterday, as I was intoxicated and I do not know what happened," said Kenneth William Munro, aged 44, in the Police Court yesterday, when charged with shoplifting in three shops in Queen Street. Accused was charged with stealing a hat valued at 19s 6d from a large drapery store, a ladies' costume, valued at £5, from a costumier's, and two bottles of tablets, valued at ss, from a chemist's shop. Jess Noble said he was standing by the door of the chemist's shop when accused gave an order to the attendant. When the attendant's back was turned accused picked up two small packets from the counter and placed them in his pocket. When he left the shop witness asked the attendant if accused had purchased the packets, and then pointed accused out to a constable. Constable Wilton said that when questioned accused said he had bought a cake of soap from the chemist and produced a packet of indigestion pills. He was carrying a hat wrapped in paper under one arm and when he was arrested a lady's costume dropped from beneath his overcoat. Ho said ho had bought ifc for a girl, but later threw it on, the ground aud said it did not belong to him. The costume had been considerably damaged and the hat was almost unfit for sale. Accused was under the influence of liquor and did not seem able to give a clear account of what he was doing. Senior-Sergeant Edwards said accused had previous convictions for theft and had previously taken out- a prohibition order. The magistrate, Mr. McKean, sentenced accused to 14 - days' imprisonment and ordered him to make restitution of £3 9s within two months, in default seven days' imprisonment.