DOMESTIC FINED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23052, 1 June 1938, Page 17

DOMESTIC FINED

SHOPLIFTING CHARGES ROOM SEARCHED BY POLICE EXPLANATION ~ NOT ACCEPTED A domestic, Dorothy Andrews, single, aged 49 (Mr. Townsend), appeared before Mr. C. JL Orr Walker, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday, on three charges of shoplifting. She admitted a charge of stealing towels valued at 3s lOd from a city firm, but denied charges of stealing a handbag, worth 13s (3d, and a lady's woollen cardigan, valued at 17s 6d, the property of unknown persons. Sub-Inspector Fox said customers complained about accused in a city shop early on the afternoon of May 17. After being kept under observation she was interviewed. Asked why she had not paid for towels found under brown paper in her kitbag she said she had forgotten to do so. When police searched her room in l'onsonby many other articles were found, including a handbag and cardigan. Her explanations about the purchase of these things were unsatisfactory and contradictory.

Accused, who is deaf, gave her evidence with the aid of a speaking tube. Some questions had to be written before she could understand and give an answer. Accused said she bought the cardigan at a sale in a city shop and paid a deposit oi' Is for it to he held for a few days when she collected and paid for it. The handbag was purchased I at another shop in the city. I Assistants employed at the shops I where accused said she had bought the ! goods denied having sold the articles. I Mr. Fox said nothing was previj ously known against accused, who np- | parentlv suffered from some weakness I and required to be placed under supervision. Mr. Townsend said there was no reason why accused should have taken anything.'She had ample means to pay for anything she wanted. She received a monthly allowance of £4 10s from a deceased estate, in addition to having £2OO in the bank. The shock of the proceedings would ensure that she would not offend again. Accused was convicted on all charges and fined £5 and costs, 4s. in default 14 days' imprisonment, in addition to being admitted to probation for a year.