THEFT WHILE DRUNK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21404, 31 January 1933, Page 11

THEFT WHILE DRUNK

RELIEF WORKER FINED INCIDENT IN CITY HOTEL A plea of guilt}' was entered by a relief worker, Gordon Pace Thompson, aged 34, when charged in the Police Court yesterday with drunkenness and with stealing a fountain pen, a 10s banknote, an American dollar and other silver coins, of a total value of £2 6s Bd.

Detective-Sergeant Martin said that last Friday night accused, while staying at a city hotel, entered the bedroom of a barman and stole the pen and other articles. When accosted, the pen was found in his possession.

In asking for leniency, Mr. Bryce Hart said the theft was due solely to the fact that accused had been on a drinking bout. He had no criminal tendencies and had not previously appeared before the Court. He wandered into the barman's room while in a drunken stupor and took the articles, all of which would be replaced.

The magistrate, Mr. W. R. McKean, imposed a fine of £2 and costs on the theft charge, in default 48 hours' imprisonment, and a fine of 10s, or 24 hours in prison, on the charge of drunkenness. An application for the suppression of accused's name was refused.