ALLEGED ATTEMPTED ARSON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21976, 10 June 1933, Page 9

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED ARSON

YOUNG MAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY POLICE RESORT TO FIREARMS SEQUEL TO GARAGE BURGLARY Another stage was reached in the City Police Court yesterday morning in the little drama which had its beginnings in breaking and entering and attempted arson in a service station on the night of May 29, and its exciting climax in a chase along Bridgman street early on the morning of May 30 and .the discharge of an automatic pistol at a fugitive by a detective. , Raymond Theodore Padman was charged before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., with breaking and entering the premises of Harry Wimpenny and stealing cigarettes, tobacco, matches, and money of a total value of 22s 9d; and, further, that he did attempt to commit arson by attempting to set fire to the premises.—Chief Detective Young prosecuted, and the accused was represented by Mr B. J. Smith. — After lengthy evidence had been heard the accused was committed for trial. — He pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. The evidence tendered included that of James Robert Stanley Sutherland, who is at present in custody awaiting sentence for breaking and entering the premises of Harry Wimpenny in the company, it is alleged by. the police, of Padman.—Evidence was also tendered by Detective Gibson, who told of a thrilling chase in Bridgman street, in the course of which he drew an automatic pistol and fired two shots at the accused, who was running away. The detective says he fired both shots into the air, but the fact that accused is now limping and had a bullet removed from his foot at the Public Hospital suggests that one of the shots found a mark.

Harry Wimpenny gave evidence of having left his premises securely locked when he left for the night, and, on returning the following morning, the place had been entered. Several articles, including cigarettes, tobacco, matches, money, and a two-cell torch had been stolen. A burglar alarm had been put out of action, and the clock on the premises had been interfered with. An attempt had also been made to set fire to the place. Witness found burnt paper in a drawer and more on the floor, and the charred boards produced in court came from his premises. 1 . Constable Sraythe said he visited Wimpenny’s premises on his beat, and found the door had been forced. There was a smell of smoke, and he found burnt paper on the desk, which was charred.

James Robert Stanley Sutherland, a prisoner awaiting sentence for breaking and entering, said he knew the accused and had known him for three or four months. On May 29 he attended the hospital with a poisoned hand. On his return he met Padman, who wanted to meet him that night. Witness was going to a dance, but said he would be home by midnight. They, therefore, arranged to meet in Bridgman street, and witness met Padman there. The accused. told witness to get a chisel and a gimlet and said he had a tyre lever himself. They agreed to go to Wimpenny’s and break into the premises. They went to Wimpenny’s and tried the door and immediately set the burglar alarm going. Witness gave evidence concerning' the breaking and entering and then witness kept a look-out while Padman went into the inner office. Witness heard a car coming and crossed over to the Bay View Hotel corner. Padman later joined him. Witness saw no sign of smoke or burnt paper when he left the building. When they were leaving the vicinity Padman produced cigarettes, tobacco and matches which he said he got in the office. On their way bapk to Bridgman street they passed, a man on a bicycle, and when later, as they were preparing to start a motor cycle which they had left in Bridgman street they saw two men on bicycles at the Enterprise Service Station. Witness recognised Detective Gibson and they were then accosted and questioned by him and Constable Crawford, the latter of whom searched witness and found on him a chisel, a gimlet, a torch, and 6s 7d worth of pennies. Witness admitted breaking into Wimpenny’s; Padman, who was then being questioned by Detective Gibson, had in his possession about 2s worth of pennies, a pair of .pliers, and cigarettes and tobacco obtained from Wimpenny’s. A young woman whose name was suppressed, said she attended a dance with the previous witness on the night in question and went home to Bridgman street with Sutherland. Witness saw a man come along on a motor cycle and Sutherland spoke to him. She now knew the man to be Padman. , Detective Gibson detailed his move- | meuts on special duty prior to discovering the two men in Bridgman street. The accused was wheeling a motor cycle and Sutherland was pushing from behind. When questioned the accused and Sutherland, both of whom appeared flustered, said they were going home. Witness searched the accused and removed from his person a three cell torch. Constable Crawford had already searched Sutherland, who admitted breaking into Wimpenny’s. Continuing his searching \of Padman, who protested, catching hold of witness’s wrist to prevent the removal of a hard instrument witness had felt in his coat pocket. Witness threw Padman to the ground and the accused said if he were allowed to get up he would submit to being searched. He got to his feet 'and then ran away. Witness chased him for 150 yards, and as Padman was gaining on him he called upon him to stop or he would shoot. Padman refused to stop and witness drew his automatic pistol and fired a shot over his head. Padman stopped for a moment, and then as witness advanced towards him he set off again. Witness called again to him to stop, but he sprang at a wall surrounding the pottery -works. Witness fired another shot up in the air in the direction of the railway embankment, but Padman disappeared over the wall. Witness searched the pipe yard, but could not find the accused. He found only his hat. Witness went back to the motor cycle and found the coat and tyre lever produced. About 5.30 a.m. witness, in company with other officers, searched the accused’s home in Mornington, but could find no trace of him. When first asked bis name Padman told who he was and at no time made any denial. Constable Crawford gave corroborative j evidence.

Detective Russell gave evidence of having brought the accused from hospital to the station, where ho was charged. He made no reply. The accused pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Counsel asked for bail and stressed the foot injuries of the accused, which were not yet healed. He could not very well get away from Dunedin. In any case counsel was afraid that the accused’s defence might be seriously embarrassed were he denied bail. \ Chief Detective Young said it was a serious charge and his Worship could judge from the evidence whether bail should be granted. The magistrate refused bail.