STOLEN TOBACCO

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9621, 29 March 1917, Page 2

STOLEN TOBACCO

THIEF AND RECEIVER IN COURT. BOTH COMMITTED FOB SENTENCE. Last Thursday a case of tobacco valued at about £SO disappeared from tho Harbour Board bond store. The same day a young carter, William, Arthur Baillie, had filtered the' store and loaded five cases of brandy. He had been seen earlier in the day examining the missing case of tobacco, . and suspicion naturally fastened on him. Detective Carney followed the matter up. find later arrested Baillie# also Jaiaes Cooper, a hairdresser and tobacconist. BaiJlio he charged with stealing the 1731 b of tobacco and Cooper with receiving the tobacco, knowing it to be stolen. When arrested Baillie made a statement admitting that while he was in the bond store he loaded the case of tobacco with the cases of brandy. He had sent the tobacco on to Cooper,' who said he would give him £5 or £6 for it. Cooper had told him that he had broken up the case and burnt it. Detective Carney read this statement when Baillie appeared before Mr L. G. Reid, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with the theft of the tobacco. Detective Carney added that apart from the charge under notice be knew nothing against Baillie, who was a steady, decent young fellow. * Mr P. W. Jackson appeared for accused, who pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for Sentence* Cooper, who was then dealt with, was represented by Mr H. F. O’Leary, Baillie gave evidence as to his conversation with Cooper previous to tho theft. Cooper had remarked to him that he (Baillie) should be able to get tobacco, and Baillie replied that he thought he could get a ■ box. Witness could not say whether Cooper knew he was to get it dishonestly. Detective Carney gave evidence as to his searching Cooper s shop, in company with Detective-Sergeant Cox. Cooper denied he had received any tobacco, but a search revealed eight small cases under his counter. When arrested Cooper said: “I am very foolish. I should not have had anything to do -with it.” Accused pleaded guilty, and was com. mitted to the Supreme Court for sentence. Bait was allowed in £SO in each case.