THEFTS FROM CITY SHOP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23000, 30 March 1938, Page 18

THEFTS FROM CITY SHOP

CHARGES AGAINST WIDOW COURT ENTERS CONVICTION Pleading not guilty to three charges of theft, Annie Hawkins, widow, aged 62 (Mr. Hall Skelton), appeared in the Police Court before Mr. F. E. Hunt, S.M., yesterday. Accused was charged with stealing a hair bandeau, valued at 6d, on March 28, a scarf, valued at 2s lid, about March 4, and a lace table mat, valued at 9d, on March 26, all from the same department storo in the city. Three assistants at the store gave evidence of seeing accused taking the articles. Detective Waterson said he was called to the store, where accused told hi'in sho had picked up the bandeau with the intention of paying for it. In a statement she said she was troubled with neuritis, which caused her arm to twitch, and so drop the bandeau on the floor. Witness said the missing scarf was found in accused's room. Mr. Skelton said ho had known accused for many years. She was of a nervous and absent-minded type, and had borne an excellent reputation. It was difficult to account for her actions, as she was receiving the old-age pension and did not need to steal. Two of accused's daughters assured the magistrate that they would look after their mother. On the first charge accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence within six months if called on, and ordered to pay costs, £l. On the other charges she was convicted and discharged.