THEFT AT WHANGAREI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22518, 8 September 1936, Page 13

THEFT AT WHANGAREI

PROBATION GRANTED A strong plea, for leniency and Probation was made on behalf of John Charles Lillev, boot repairer, when he came before Mr. Justice lair for sentence in the Supreme Court yesterday. He had pleaded guilty to two charges of breaking, into a warehouse at \Vhangarei and stealing rolls of leather valued at £3 12s. His counsel, Mr. Baker, said Lilley had never previously been before a Court. He was 62 years of age, and was a married man with six children. He had been working .12 or 14 hours a day at his business in order to provide for his wife and family and to pay oft hospital expenses. There was a widespread movement among his fellow citizens to help him, and counsel - put in testimonials from the Mayor of \Yhangarei and other prominent citizens. "His Honor said probation was not recommended in this case by the probation officer, but except for the offences with which he was now charged the prisoner had through his whole lue borne an excellent character as a good husband, a good father and a good citizen generally. It was in cases or lapses of this kind, Which appeared seriqus on the face of them, that a of that sort should stand in the prisoner. He was admitted i for one year,