FIRST FILM OF THEFT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22099, 1 November 1933, Page 5

FIRST FILM OF THEFT

PHOTOS SHOWN IN COURT The first case that has ever occurred in which a kincmatograph film was taken of an actual theft was dealt with on September 13 at the Guildhall, London. The complete film was not shown in court, but enlarged photographs taken from the film were handed to the magistrate. Referring to one of these photographs, the prosecuting counsel alleged that it showed Henry Charles Prank Newman, aged 51, pushing a truck of stolen bacon. The magistrate said it certainly showed someone, but it was a matter of opinion whether Newman could be identified by it.

Owing to large quantities of bacon being missed by a Smithlield firm, cxDetective Inspector Leach was engaged, and the kincmatograph film, it was stated, was taken by Mr Leach’s son on three days. Counsel said that some of the stolen bacon went to a stall belonging to Haymcs in Woolwich market.

Newman pleaded guilty to four charges of stealing bacon, and Prank Hume, aged 30, and George Frederick Haymes, aged 29, admitted three charges of receiving bacon. Charges against Edward Randall and Henry James Flock were dismissed. For Newman, counsel urged that he served in the war and probably acquired the habit of “ scrounging ” during that service, os many others did. Haymes and Hume were each sentenced to njne months’ imprisonment with hard labour, and Newman to three months in the second division.