DESPICABLE THEFT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23334, 28 October 1937, Page 18

DESPICABLE THEFT

AGED MAN ROBBED TWO MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Oct. 27. For robbing an old-age pensioner who was lying ill in his bed, William John Dowling was sentenced to two months' imprisonment in the Police Court to-day. Dowling, a labourer, aged 40, pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing £5 10s belongin p to Edward Ernest Fairburn, a single man aged 78, who lived alone. The police said that Fairburn was connected with the Christian Spiritualists' Church. Dowling called at his home, saying he had been sent by the president and vicepresident of the church to borrow £ 1 to pay his fare to a job in the country Fairburn gave him £1 from his wallet. Later Dowling returned and asked for another £l, but Fairburn refused to give it to him. After his departure the old man became suspicious and discovered that £5 10s in notes had vanished from his wallet. When arrested Dowling said another man was involved and had gone 50-50 with him. In reply to the magistrate Dowling said he could not tell the court who the man was who went 50-50.