CITY POLICE COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23499, 13 May 1938, Page 15

CITY POLICE COURT

Thursday, May 12 (Before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.) A FIRST OFFENDER A first offender was fined 20s, in default 24 hours' imprisonment, on a charge of drunkenness. THEFT FROM EMPLOYER John Alexander Berland, aged 25 years, admitted having stolen dishes, books, cutlery and other articles, of a total value of £lO 12s 6d, the property of Gerald Benson and others.—The accused’s position in the homo of his employer had been that of male nurse to the complainant’s invalid son, stated .Chief Detective Young. The accused had occupied this position for about six months and had recently been given notice. After this, his employer had suspected him of theft. When Detective Brown questioned the accused he had denied the theft and had said that the articles had been purchased by him at a second-hand dealer’s shop. Berland had not been before the court before. —Mr J. G. Warrington said that the accused had apparently acted on impulse and suggested that he be admitted to probation.—The accused was remanded in custody till Monday. The magistrate refused an application for the suppression of his name. SERIOUS CHARGES

The case against Thomas Payne, who was charged with having carnal knowledge of a girl under 16 years of age. was concluded. —The accused was represented by Mr A. G. Neill and pleaded not' guilty reserving hi? defence. Bail was fixed on his own recognisance of £2OO and he was committed to the Supremo Court for trial, Howe Lai'ting. a Chinese, was charged with a similar offence, the same girl being concerned. Chief Detective Young conducted the evidence for the prosecution The accused, who was represented by Mr O. G. Stevens, pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence He was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. On the condition that he reported twice a week to the police, bail was fixed at £2OO in the accused’-, own recognisance.