WOMAN SHOPLIFTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 15

WOMAN SHOPLIFTER.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT. AUCKLAND, January 31. A woman of means. Eileen Mary illiams. aged 29, who was caught in the act of stealing two pairs of silk stockings in the drapery establishment of Milne and Choyce was fined £lO by Mr IV. R. M’Kean. S.M., in the Police Court this morning. Accused pleaded guilty to the theft of stockings valued at 19s, and also admitted taking a dress valued at £1 9s 6d. An assistant on the ground floor detected r.ccuscd as she was placing the stockings in her bag. When the woman was taken to the manager’s office the bag was searched, and was found to contain it dress which had -been stolen on an upper floor. Mr M’Livcr, who represented accused, said he had acted for the woman for some years, and this offence was the last thing of which he would have thought her capable. In all his dealings with her lie hail never suspected she would do such a thing, and he was astonished when called upon to speak in her defence. The woman's husband could offer onlv one explanation of her conduct. A little time ago she had been kicked on the side of the head, and the mark could still be seen. It was tnought possible this injury might havo affected her. The woman had led a useful life and had done a lot of good for tho community. He could only throw the woman on the mercy of the court. ‘‘This class of cffjnce is very serious.” said the Magistrate. “It is difficult to detect, and may not lightly be passed over.” Senior Detective Hammond: There aro goods in the woman's house which look suspicious. although we cannot lay' a charge. Mr M'Liver: Of course, I cannot answer that. sir. The Magistrate: It could not I>c said she yielded to sudden tevaptation. She did not steal only one thing, as therr was the dress found in the ba<r. It is different from a case where something was snatched up on the sudden temptation of the moment. Mr M'Liver: It may have been mental aberration, sir. Mr M’Kean: No. I am afraid lhe circumstances indicate something different. “She could pay a substantial fine,” observed Senior Detective Hammond. “Yes.” returned the Magistrate. ‘ “but I do not know that I should not impose a term of imprisonment on her.” After considering the case Mr M'TT mn decided to fine the woman £lO, in default 14 days’ imprisonment. “She has £3OO in the Savings Bank,” said Mr Hammond when Mr M'Liver asked for time to nay. The Magistrate: I will allow till Monday ty pay, as to-day is a holiday. “Mav I make application for the suppression of her name?” asked Mr MT.i' i* ‘lf; is more for the husband’s sake than for th" -woman’s.” Senior Detective _ Hammond: It would be very small punishment were tho name suppressed, sir. The Magistrate: Yes, it would bo very little punishment if I suppressed the name. Tn the circumstances I will not suppress the name.