Salutary Fine For Theft From Collecting Box

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26918, 2 November 1948, Page 6

Salutary Fine For Theft From Collecting Box

P.A. AUCKLAND, Nov. 1. Caught dipping into her collection box during the city street collection for orphans on October 22, Ruby Cook, aged 54, first denied taking any money but later admitted stealing £6 5s 3d. She had £l6 2s 9d in her ppssession, but said the rest of the money was hers. t In the Police Court to-day the police said a business man went to put half a crown in Cook’s collection box in Queen street, but found he could not because of the angle at which the box was held. Three hours later he returned and saw Cook put a finger over the slot in the box and then put her hand in her pocket. He advised a police constable, who subsequently saw Cook shake the box, remove coins and put them in her pocket. The police said the accused had been collecting for charities for many years. Defending counsel asked for leniency on the ground of ill-health. Remarking that the accused probably had a snivelling repentance because she had been caught, Mr F H. Levien, S.M., said he would impose a penalty that would deter others of a like mind. Cook was admitted to probation for two years, conditional on her refraining from participating in street collections and contributing £25 to the Orphanage Council within two months.