FORTY THEFT CHARGES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21827, 14 December 1932, Page 8

FORTY THEFT CHARGES

DEPREDATIONS BY WOMAN MENACE TO THE' COMMUNITY (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 13. “I think I am safe in saying that this woman is about the worst thief who has ever appeared in this court,” said the police prosecutor this morning, referring to Leonie Evelyn M'Mahon, aged 29, a book-keeper, alias Norah Purcell, who pleaded guilty to 40 charges, mostly shoplifting, and was sentenced to three years’ reformative detention. The magistrate (Mr_E. D. Mosley) said a woman like this, who had no moral sense, was an absolute menace to the community. The goods had been stolen from various leading shops over a period of 11 months, and handbags were also stolen from two churchgoers in church, said the chief detective. ,

The value of the goods involved in the thefts was £142. “ That, however,” added Chief Detective Carroll, “is probably only about one-tenth of the property we have in our possession. The unfortunate part of it is that we cannot find owners, for the bulk of the goods. One look at the property wc have must convince anyone that the accused is an expert thief.” The accused was caught taking a pot of jam; that was her downfall. She was allowed to go temporarily, but disappeared, only to be arrested in Lyttelton.