GUNMEN CRIMINALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26176, 12 June 1946, Page 6

GUNMEN CRIMINALS

NOT WANTED IN NEW ZEALAND JUDGE’S STERN WARNING (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 11. “We want no gunmen criminals in New Zealhnd, or gangsters threatening the lives of honest members of the community. Where such crimes occur substantial punishment must be inflicted, and if this type of crime increases the sentences imposed on offenders will be progressively increased,” said Mr Justice Fair, sentencing three youths who had pleaded guilty to robbery of the De Luxe Confectionery in High street, Lower Hutt. Michael David Marsh, aged 18, a labourer, who entered the shop and held up the proprietress, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour, to be followed by 12 months’ reformative detention. John Mullaney, aged 21, a farm labourer, was sentenced to two years’ reformative detention, and Dennis Arnold Cyril Priestley, aged 19, a labourer, was sentenced to be detained at the Borstal for two years. His Honor said he felt no doubt that Marsh, although only 18, inspired the robbery. His conduct during the past five months showed that he was older than his years, and in that period he had led a shiftless, unsettled life. It appeared from his general character and conduct that he was starting on the path of crime, and he was his own worst enemy. Mullaney and Priestley were in a different category, but their background was no excuse for crime. They had arrived at an age when they were allowed to choose their own employment, and to regulate their own lives, and if they deliberately chose crime they must expect to meet with the proper punishment.