IMPRISONED FOR THEFT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23107, 5 February 1937, Page 15

IMPRISONED FOR THEFT

MAN SENTENCED TO DIE A man who, in 1920, was sentenced to death for killing a warder at a Borstal institution, was at the Old Bailey recently sent to gaol for 22 months’ hard labour. He was Frederick James Cullender, aged 35, a carpenter, He pleaded guilty to a burglary at two premises at Kennington road, S.E., and attempting to make use of a dummy revolver with intent to resist his lawful apprehension. Mr H. Elam, prosecuting, said Cullender’s death sentence was commuted and he was released on licence in April of last year. Cullender went to a flat and took some property, and also a Yale key, and he actually returned to the flat that night to get some food. He hid under a bed, but the caretaker discovered him. There was a struggle, and Cullender brandished an imitation revolver and threatened to shoot.

The caretaker’s wife was frightened and advised her husband to let Cullender go, but the caretaker put up a plucky fight. Cullender was chased and arrested. It was said that since his release on licence Cullender had married and his wife was expecting a baby. Before being sent to Borstal he had three convictions. Since his release the Prisoners’ Aid Society had fitted him out with tools, and he had worked satisfactorily as a carpenter. Ten days before committing the offences with which he was now charged, he fell out of work. He received no unemployment pay, and said he committed the offences to get food. On being sentenced, Cullender asked that he might receive a visit from his wife and brother before he was takfcn to gaol. The recorder said he had no objection.