ALLEGATIONS OF THEFT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20866, 7 May 1931, Page 12

ALLEGATIONS OF THEFT.

CHARGES AGAINST TWO MEN. ACQUITTAL IN EACH CASE. A chargo of breaking and entering tho shop of Thomas William Donnel at Papatnetoo and stealing groceries and cigarettes valued at £3 was preferred against William Knox (Mr. Noble) in tho Supremo Court yesterday, before Mr. Justice Smith and a jury. Thomas Donnel said he locked his shoe at 5.30 p.m. on 'January 28, and returned at 8.15 to find that it had been entered, tobacco) cigarettes and groceries and 15s in money being stolen. Later accused camo to his shop to pay a debt. He was carrying a bag, which Constable Moloney, who was investigating the theft, caused him to open. It contained groceries similar to those missing from witness' shop. Percy Denning, hairdresser and tobacconist, said accused camo to his shop and sold him tobacco and cigarettes on tho evening of January 28. Mr. Noble contended that there was nothing to show tho goods found on accused wer« J hose stolen. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on (he breaking and entering charge and also on alternative counts of theft and receiving. Accordingly, accused was discharged. Tho trial of Roderick Ryan (Mr. Noble) on a charge of breaking and entering at. Waihi and tho thfift of two suitcases and contents, valued at £3O, was concluded before Mr. Justice Smith. There w.ere alternative counts of theft and receiving. It was alleged by the Crown, for whom Mr. Hubble appeared, that accused stole the suitcases from an apartment house at Waihi which he visited intending to obtain accommodation. Evidence of accused's being seen in possession of the suitcases, which were found in his. room at another place, was given. In a statement, accused said he obtained the suitcases from an acquaintance, recently arrived from Australia. After a retirement of three hours tho jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts. Accused was discharged.