CONVERSION AND THEFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21346, 22 November 1932, Page 12

CONVERSION AND THEFT

YOUNG MAN BEFORE COURT

CRAZE FOR MOTOR-CYCLING

One charge of stealing benzine, four charges of breaking and entering, and two charges of converting two motor-cycles to his own use were preferred against David Joseph McCarthy, aged 20, a slaughterman, who appeared before Mr. F. H. Xevien, S.M., in the Otahuhu Police Court yesterday. On one of the charges of conversion accused was remanded to appear at Auckland on November 28. Ho pleaded guilty to the remaining charges. Sergeant Rowell said that accused was arrested when caught breaking into a garage at Manurewa on November 13. The other charges had been subsequently brought home to accused, who admitted the facts. The offences had commenced with the theft of three gallons of benzine in June last, when accused had developed a craze for motor-cycling. He had persisted in similar offences to provide himself with accessories for his cycle. Accused had been out of work a few weeks ago when he found work as a labourer at Southdown. Most of the articles had been recovered.

Mr. Levien said it appeared accused should have been charged with the theft of the motor-cycles. From a statement it seemed he had no intention of restoring the machines to the former owners.

Sergeant Rowell said that accused had taken one machine from the Auckland post office and when he became frightened by police inquiries he returned it to the same place one month later. Mr. R. W. F. Wood, representing accused, said that accused was one of a family of 12 and had previously led an exemplary life. He had given all his earnings to his family. He asked that a term of probation be granted. Mr. Levien said that accused would be convicted of converting the motor-cycle and admitted to threo years' probation. One of the conditions would be that he would be declared incapable of holding a licence for a motor vehicle of any description and w r ould have to make restitution. Accused was convicted and discharged on the other charges he had admilted.