NOT FOR THE CITY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11438, 7 February 1923, Page 5

NOT FOR THE CITY

TEMPTATIONS TOO STRONG. . MAN PLACED ON PROBATION. - William Keating, remanded from Blenheim for sentence on charges of theft, came up before Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Keating, who was before the Supreme Court on Monday, was already under sentence to servo two years’’ probation. Yesterday he appeared on five charges of theft of minor articles of a total value of £5 17s. from Horace Smart and others at Renwicktown. The Magistrate, who had deferred sentence until after accused had appeared before tjje Supreme, Court, turned to consult- the Probation Officer. “This man is all right so long ns he stays in the country, Mr Mills,” he said. , “But when he comes to town he drinks or when lie wants money he gets it by hook or ty crock; sneak-thieving round houses. I thought of giving him three months to get the drink out of him, hut decided to lot him go on to the Supreme Court first.” The Bench determined to vsentence the man to three years’ probation on the first charge and to convict and discharge him on the others. He was ordered to make restitution of the value of the articles in the manner directed by the probation officer, who was asked to make a term that accused was not to remain .in Blenheim more than one day on his return. “And if you stay there it’ll he a breach of your probation and you’ll be brought up and dealt with,” added His Worship. Accused then left the court and was followed by an anxious looking woman who had havered about during the hearing.