GIVEN A CHANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23867, 22 July 1939, Page 8

GIVEN A CHANCE

ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE LABOURER ADMITTED TO PROBATION " I propose e to take a chance with you. despite "the seriousness of the charge, and to.admit you to probation. I hope you will never be before the court again." said Mr Justice Smith in the Supreme Court yesterday when Frederick Gordon. 29 years of age. a labourer, appeared before him for sentence on a charge of robbery with violence. "I will take into consideration all the circumstances of the case, that everybody concerned had been drinking, and that this is an isolated case. You will be admitted to probation for three years, subject to your taking out a prohibition order, paying £4 to the complainant Edgar to compensate him for his loss, and paying the costs of the prosecution (£l9 6s). Gordon was represented by Mr O. G. Stevens, who said that he was a first offender. The offence was a serious one,' but it took place while Gordon was under the influence of liquor. "There are circumstances that palliate it." counsel said. "The offence took place at a house the conduct of which was not a credit to anyone, and while everybody concerned was under the influence of liquor. Gordon is not of a criminal mind. He had one night of drunken, folly. He is prepared to take out a prohibition order, and I ask your Honor to take into consideration a record which is clean except for two convictions for drunkenness. Gordon is a good worker." His Honor made an order for the nayment to the complainant Edgar of the £3 12s 6d found on Gordon when he was arrested, and allowed him the first year of his probation in which to pay the costs of the prosecution.