CAR CONVERSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22461, 3 July 1936, Page 13

CAR CONVERSION

YOUNG MAN CHARGED

BENCH DEFERS SENTENCE

Charges of unlawfully converting two motor-cars valued at £l5O and £9O respectively, were preferred against Keith Kelly, aged 21, before Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., in the Policy Court yesterday. Accused pleaded guilty to converting the first car. lu the case of the second he changed a plea of not guilty to guilty when the charge was amended to attempted unlawful conversion.

Senior-Detective Hall said that accused was accosted in the £l5O car in Karangahape Road early last Sunday morning and at first claimed that he was the owner. Later he said he had been with an unknown man the evening before and, after they had had some liquor, this man converted the car, leaving accused with it. The unknown man had been located, but he was able to clear himself. He admitted having been with accused early in the evening, but had nothing to do with the offence. On being again interviewed, accused said ho had tried to put the blame on the other man because he did not think lie could be identified, and it would make things easier for himself.

In connection with the second offence which also occurred on Saturday night, accused had said ho had attempted to convert the car, but ho was unable to start it. He had thereupon left it. A report was mado by the probation officer in which he recommended probation.

The magistrate decided to remand Kelly for sentence until July 9, instructing that he should remain in custodv while on remand.