POLICE COURT NEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22498, 15 August 1936, Page 18

POLICE COURT NEWS

BENEFACTOR ROBBED SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT "A man who steals from his benefactor does not deserve any leniency," said Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday to Vincent Patrick Dovine, clerk, aged 33 (Mr. Elwarth), who was charged with the theft of an overcoat valued at £4 and 2s 3d in cash. Accused pleaded not guilty. Complainant said he had known accused for some years, and when he said he was "hard up" witness allowed him to stay for a few days. He gave him 2s 3d to take a message and lent him his coat, hut he did not see him again. "An honest man who had been befriended as he had would have thanked his benefactor, and not sneaked away," said the magistrate, sentencing accused to 48 hours' imprisonment.

"I am going to give you one more chance; your youth is the only thing that keeps you from Borstal," said the magistrate to John Reuben Sheppard, waiter, aged 19 (Mr. Noble), who admitted stealing a bicycle valued at £6, the theft of £(3 in cash, and a breach of probation. Accused was admitted to three years' probation, on condition that he did not enter licensed premises or racecourses, and made restitution of the £6.

Four charges of failing to account for sums totalling £7 10s. between July 20 and August 10, were admitted by Stanley William George \\ ills, salesman, aged 25. Senior-Detective Hall said that about eight weeks ago accused was engaged by the committee of the Auckland City Boys' Band to organise a carnival to raise, funds. He was given money for various purposes and converted it to his own use. Accused was remanded for sentence until Thursdav. Charged with indecently assaulting a female "on August 4. William Percival Willis, baker, aged 21. (Mr. Griffiths), was remanded until Thursday.