THEFTS OF FLOWERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23127, 27 August 1938, Page 16

THEFTS OF FLOWERS

WATCH KEPT IN GARDEN MAGISTRATE FINES CARPENTER The theft of flowers f rom a private garden at Orakei on three separate occasions led to the appearance of Albert Henry Leo, carpenter, aged 25 (Mr. Webster), in the Police Court yesterday. Three charges of the theft of Iceland poppies valued at ss, the property of Lisle Law.son Howden, wore admitted. Detective-Sergeant .McHugh said it was a particularly mean type of theft. Complainant was a keen amateur gardener, and was troubled each year by thefts of flowers. A recent complaint to the police resulted in a constable keeping watch in the garden, and in the early hours of August 7 accused was seen cutting flowers, which he threw away as the constable j;^ v e chase. When caught, he admitted having taken flowers on three occasions. Counsel said accused had not previously been in trouble. It was not suggested that he was always the person who stole the flowers in the past. He took the flowers home, and had no intention of selling them. They grew beside the roadline, and ho yielded to temptation.

The magistrate, Mr. \V. R. McKean, imposed fines totalling £2, and ordered accused to pay 5s restitution to complainant. The default on each charge was fixed at seven days' imprisonment.