“CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12425, 20 April 1926, Page 7

“CAUSE OF THE TROUBLE”

i “A VICTIM OF DRUGS” STOLEN BLANKETS AND CLOTHING W|OMAN PLEADS FROM DOCK Frail of appearance, and, according to police evidence, addicted to drugtaking, Maggie McGregor, a single woman, aged 44, appeared in the dock of the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon to answer in all five charges of the theft at Palmerston North and Wellington, of clothing and blankets to the total value of £l2 13s lid. Accused pleaded guilty to all charges, but stated that she committed the thefts under provocation. Sub-Inspector Harvey, on behalf ot tho prosecution, stated that accused had been employed in boardinghouses in Plalmerston North and Wellington, and while there had committed the thefts responsible for her appearance before the court. The goods stolen by her she had sold to a second-hand dealer. “Accused is the victim of drugs, and this seems to be the cause of the trouble," proceeded Sub-Inspector Harvey. “When her room was searched a quantity of empty chlorodyne bottles was discovered.” “IN DESPERATE CIRCUMSTANCES” “1 was ill at the time, and was in despenate circumstances; so I was forced to steal the blankets to obtain money to buy medicine,” pleaded accused from the dock. Mr E. Page; S.M.: Both the police and probation officers spy that you are addicted to taking drugs. Is that so ? Accused: No, Your Worship. I took chlorodyne because I had a fearful cough, and could not get rid of it. I took the chlorsdyne, and <it was the only thing that gave me strength to work. “If Your Worship will only grant mo probation I wil go to my brother, who wants mb to keep house for him.” “IN HER OWN INTERESTS” Mr E. Page, S.M.: I propose to convict accused and sentence her to twelve months’ reformative treatment. I trunk this will .be in her own interests. hn the remaining four charges, silo wSTI be convicted and discharged.