THE LUGGAGE THEFTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10537, 13 March 1920, Page 6

THE LUGGAGE THEFTS

SOLDIER'S STRANGE CASH. BRISONER A WINNER OF D.C.M. AND BELGIAN MEDAL. An extraordinary story teas told in the Supremo Count yesterday when James Harold O’Brien appeared to be eentertced by the Chief Justice. O’Brien is the man who had admitted numerous thefts of luggage and clothing and who was before the lower court earlier in the week.* Mr C. H.- Treadwell, who appeared for the accused, said that O’Brien had been % a soldier. Ho had’been a sergeant in the Second Canterbury Regiment. At Messines he won the 'D.C.M. and six weeks later he was given the Belgian AVar Medal. Subsequently he was wounded in the head and in other parts of- his body. He took part in the great push in France and was recommended by Colonel Mitchell for a commission. O’Brien came of a very respectable "\Vest Coast family, and there was only a minor offence against him. Dr ■ Gilmer gave evidence to the effect that O’Brien was suffering from neurasthenia, heart affection, and a shaking up .of the brain due probably to constant exposure to shock.

His Honour remanded the prisoner till April 12th fop medical observation. He said this was the best he could do,- he could not admit a man of nine thefts to probation.