ALLEGATION OF THEFT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21992, 29 June 1933, Page 9

ALLEGATION OF THEFT

HUSBAND AND WIFE CHARGED GOODS FOUND IN HOUSE. (Pen United Press Association.* WELLINGTON, June 28. Harry William Porter and Florence May Porter- appeared before justices todav charged with stealing goods valued at £127 3s 6d, th G property of the D.I.C. Evidence was given that thefts had beeti noticed over a period of 12 months, and as a result of the setting of a trap the male accused, who is a window cleaner and part of whose work is to clean the D.I.C. windows, was found on the premises early on the morning of June 10 when he had no right to be there. A search at his home resulted in the finding of goods alleged to be similar to the goods missing. "* Martha Gelling said she had rented a room from the Porters. On the morning of June 10 Mrs Porter asked her to keep a suitcase and a bundle, of stockings in her room and say they were hers. When she refused Mrs Porter cried and pleaded. Witness left the suitcase where it was placed until the detectives came. Detective Ritchie detailed the circumstances of the arrest of Porter early on the morning of June 10. The acwfcsed had protested that he came to clean the windows. When witness, with another detective, went to Porter's home, the female accused denied having any clothes other than those she was wearing. She endeavoured to prevent all the rooms from being searched, but later she admitted that the suitcase and articles in Miss Gelling's room belonged to her. She said she had bought the articles at various shops and from men at the door. Porter made a statement, continued witness, in which he admitted entering the D.I.C; by a ladder through an open window in the tea rooms. He refused to sign the statement until he had seen a solicitor. Both the accused pleaded not guilty. They reserved their defence, and wore committed for trial. Bail was allowed.