CHARGES OF THEFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20303, 10 July 1929, Page 14

CHARGES OF THEFT

AN ALLEGED ADMISSION

PLEA OF NOT GUILTY

[by telegraph.—own correspondent.] CIIRISTCIIURCH. Tuendny.

Clisirges of theft involving :i total of £403 lis 10<1 were brought against James Joseph Thomas Morris, a clerk, aged 22, in the Magistrate's Court this morning beforo Mr. E. 0. Levvoy, S.M. It was alleged that, on or about March 8, and on divers other dates between March 8 and Juno 13 last, at Christchurch, accused committed the theft of various sums o"f money, totalling £403 lis lOd, the property of J. C. Hutton (New Zealand), Ltd, Mr. Bowie appeared for accused.

Colin Munro, secretary for tho firm of J. C. Ilutton (N.Z.), Ltd., said that accused had been employed at tho Christchurch branch for some months. Ho left tho firm on Juno 13. Tho following day ho called on witness, whom bo advised that ho had been misappropriating money. Questioned by witness ho'said that tho amount would bo about £2OO. When askod what ho had done with tho money ho replied that ho had been gambling. He had gone through the accounts with witness and- it was • discovered that tho amount was £384 17s Bd. Several small amounts wero later discovered. Tho accountant found that accused had two cheques in his possession. Witness had no knowledge of tho shortages until accused voluntarily offered the information.

Detective E. M. Thomas stated he had interviewed the accused with regard to tho offences, which the accused admitted. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to tho Supremo Court for trial. Bail of £3OO was allowed in two sureties of £ISQ.