LONG ARM OF THE LAW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20722, 15 November 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

LONG ARM OF THE LAW.

NO PROVISION FOR FAMILY. EX-FOOTBALLER SENT TO GAOL. Arrested on a warrant issued"ten years ago. Charles Hunter, aged 45. described as a sports writer, of Fulham, who formerly played football for Chelsea, Oldham, Aston Villa, .Manchester United, Portsmouth, and other clubs, was lately charged at, Woolwich with leaving us children chargeable to the rates. Hunter pleaded guiltv " under provocation. An officer of the Public Assistance Committeo of the London County Council stated that they had been unable to tinci Hunter for ten years. He was former y a professional footballer. Ihe maintenance of his wife and family had cost the ratepayers ££s6. Of that sum only about £lO was in respect of Mrs. Hunter, who had maintained herself. Hunter declared that he left his w in Portsmouth. He had got into trouble with his employers and was oi.it of woik, but he sent his wife various funis.-.Mrs. Hunter: "This is the first tune I have seen niv husband for 11 yeais. n P to the magistrate.. Mrs. Hunter stated that her husband had been a gamblei. She was only seventeen when she niarne him, she added. . The defendant said that soon after he left home his wife said that she did not wish to see his face again, and ho took to heart, Afterward his wife ignored letters, and he did not know until the previous day that his children were le in the care of the guardians. He nau been given to understand that Ins was doing well. , Hunter added that he could pay the money expended by the Rnard'ans, because he would very likely earn £SOO to £6OO between then and next- April, t could pay £lO to £ls a month if g> the chance. If he did not get a chance his career was finished. ♦ Defendant was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Mrs. Hunter asked for a summons lor the maintenance of one of the rlnl<h /""_ The Magistrate:: " No, I have jus. .rn fenced your husband. How can he pa • 1 have never heard such an indent application."