PENALTY FOR CRIME

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 10430, 7 November 1919, Page 8

PENALTY FOR CRIME

PRISONERS SENTENCED AT SUPREME COURT* Three prisoners came up for sentence* before Mr Justice Chapman at the Supremo Court yesterday. Sir P> S. Jv. Macassey appeared for the Crown. A young, well-dressed woman, Cecilia Hunter, came up for sentence on a charge of forging the name of her sister to a soldier’s allotment* Mr E-. P* Runny, who appeared for the prisoner, said there was a recommendation for clemency from tho Jury which convicted tho prisoner. The prisoner was, unfortunately, addicted to drink, and should bo given a chance to reform. Tier husband, who appeared in court, said ho thought, if given a chance, his wife would be all right. He had g good homo in Riverton where she could go to, and where she would be away from all temptation. Ho was at present under medical treatment, having returned from actjvo service, and would bo able to take his Vrlio to Riverton next Thursday. His Honour said that drink was undoubtedly tho cause of all the tremble. Prisoner was ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, on the undertaking: that oho remained in custody until her husband was ready to take her away, “Ton or© a prisoner at large,*’ His Honour said, “and if you do not behave yourself you will bo brought up for sentence at any time,” A MAORI’S MISDEED, A Maori named Jack Tauilianga, who had been convicted tho previous day of assaulting an old mast and robbing him of £l4l, said ho had nothing to say when asked the usual question, Tho police stated that the prisoner was a hard-working man,, but ho had boon previously convicted of theft and as* sault, and also consorted with prostitutes-. His Honour, said that the offence which Tauihanga had been convicted of was a most disgraceful one,, He had not given tho police any assistance to recover the stolen money* Ho pro* posed to inflict a severe sentence, but would mako the forms such that if ho behaved himself ho would bo let off lightly-. Prisoner was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment with hard labour, and to three years’ reformative treat* mont. At tho end of twelve months, if ha behaved himself and_ showed his wisdom in helping tho police to trace tho money stolen, ho would perhaps find relief. A BAD RECORD, A middle-aged -'in, Walter Nownran, Who had been convicted of stealing 'tho sum of £4l and an overcoat at Mnstorton was represented by Mr Jordan, of Mastertou, Mr Jordan stated that tho prisoner had been convicted of various offences during tho past few years. Drink was his downfall, and When ho camo in to town ho always spent his money faster than he caimed it. His Honour, bft sentencing Newman to twelve months’ imprisonment, to bo followed by three years* reformative treatment!*, said ho had a bad record, aiid bo had stolen the money- from a man who bad befricendod him.