LENIENCY EXTENDED.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20087, 2 May 1927, Page 10

LENIENCY EXTENDED.

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. WOMAN SHOPLIFTER CHARGED. (Special to Dales Tihes.j CHRISTCHURCH, April 30. A married woman, 31 years of age, pleaded guilty to-day to shoplifting, but Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., linding that the circumstances were somewhat extraordinary, departed from his practice of sending shoplifters, whether they are men or women, to gaol, and merely ordered the accused to come up for sentence when called upon. The woman stole four gramophone records, a fur dog, a pair of hose, a box of cards, and a cake of soap, valued at £1 Is 3d, from the D.I.C. She was seen by a shop walker placing the articles under her coat, and was taken into the office, where she confessed her guilt. Chief Detective Lewis said that the woman had had nine children. Four of them were living, and another was expected. The Magistrate said that the goods were pure luxuries. The woman said that the records were children’s records, and that she took them for her children. Mr Bargent said that the woman’s condition probably accounted for her lapse. The goods were of no practical value. It was true that a serious view should be taken of shoplifting cases, but to send the woman to gaol would bo too severe. The Magistrate: 1 cannot do that; but 1 wish the public to know that in mv opinion shoplifting should be met with severe punishment. Shopkeepers are entitled to protection as much as any other people are. Mr Sargent: The usual course, no doubt, is to send a shoplifter to gaol, but this is an exceptional case- Any monetary punishment will fall on the husband, who is a respectable man. After consulting a Salvation Army officer, the Magistrate said to the woman: ‘‘My usual practice is to send shoplifters to gaol, but in this case the circumstances do not warrant that punishment. 1 shall convict you and order you to come up for sentence when called upon at any time within six months. You will be under the supervision of the Army’s officers. They will visit you periodically. You must receive them in the same way as they visit you, and take their advice. I do not wish to punish the husband or the young children, and I do not wish to prejudice in any way the expected child,’’ continued his Worship. “As far as lam concerned it, at least, will be given a fair start.” ■ The woman’s name was suppressed, and thankic 0 ihc magistrate, she left the dock in tears.