FOUR CHARGES OF FRAUD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20257, 17 May 1929, Page 14

FOUR CHARGES OF FRAUD.

VALUELESS CHEQUES ISSUED,

SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT.

Sentence of six months' imprisonment was imposed on Eigby Brookes Bellerby, aged 37, labourer/ who admitted four charges of obtaining money and goods by means of valueless cheques in the Police Court yesterday. The offences were all committed within two days, accused having .obtained £3 in money on April 22, a suit and money of a total value of £lO, and £4 10s in money on the same day, and a further sum of £3 the following day. A charge of having committed a breach of the terms of his release on probation was also preferred. Chief-Detective Hammond said Bellerby had come to Auckland from Gisborne and had cashed a cheque for £lO with .a hotel proprietor, who had, however, given him'only £3, asking him to call for the balance when the cheque had been cashed. Accused never returned, but went to a doctor, where he paid for treatment with another valueless cheque, getting change. The other two charges were of a similar nature. Accused had been before the Court in Gisborne for false pretences, and had been released on probation, from, a breach of which arose the remaining charge. " It is difficult to find anything to say about this bov," said Mr. Leary. The Magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt: How old is he? Accused said he was 37 years of ago. Mr. Hunt: Well, what about this boy of 37? Mr. Leary said accused's trouble was duo lo drink. In Gisborne ho had lost his position and had started drinking and gambling. He had then found his way to Auckland, where he had issued valueless cheques. " Accused comes from an_ excellent and highly-respected family which has stood behind him in the past," said Mr. Leary, " and he has come to thirtk that they would meet his cheques. It is difficult to know what to do with him. I had. considered asking that lie should be sent to Roto Roa Island, but unfortunately I had not reckoned on his wife and two children, who are destitute, I have a loiter here from his wife, one of the most pathetic documents ever put in." " He had left his job and run away from them," commented the magistrate after reading the letter. Mr. Leary said he felt it would be better to ask for a short term of imprisonment rather than a year on the island. " Roto Roa is only for inebriates," said the magistrate. f suggest that you give hint a term las short as can be commensurate With marking your sharp disapproval of his conduct," continued Mr. Lear v.

The magistrate sentenced accused to six months' imprisonment.