SEQUEL TO HOLD-UP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 14

SEQUEL TO HOLD-UP

POSSESSION OF A REVOLVER TWO YOUNG MEN FINED UNCONNECTED WITH ORIGINAL OFFENCE (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 11. Some time ago there was a serious hold-up in the city in which an employee at a service station was injured. Inquiries into the matter brought to light the existence of a revolver and two persons who had no connection with the crime but equally no right to a firearm. While visiting his home at Nelson, Leslie Jack Gould came into possession ,of a revolver and eight rounds of ammunition. He brought it to Wellington, where, later, he sold it to Basil Ernest David Johnson-Bar-rett, who, after a couple of practice shots, buried it in the back yard of a house at Ngaio, where he was working at the time. When interviewed by the police, he said he bought the weapon with the intention of holding up a Chinese pakapoo den, but on reflection abandoned the idea. Unfortunately for hi, him, he had been before the Supreme Court in August, 1937, for robbery under arms. Gould had also been previously before the court on a charge of conversion. Johnson - Barrett was to-day charged with being in possession of a revolver without a permit and Gould with selling it. The magistrate (Mr J. H. Luxford) said that, in view of the circumstances disclosed, he would not impose prison terms. He fined Johnston-Barrett £5 and Gould £3, and ordered forfeiture of the weapon and the ammunition.