MISPLACED LENIENCY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 27

MISPLACED LENIENCY.

FINES FOR SHOPLIFTING. IMPRISONMENT IN FUTURE. AUCKLAND, March 4. “There has been a considerable number of these cases before me recently, and the fines I have imposed for shoplifting do not seem to have had the desired effect. In the circumstances in this case I will inflict a fine, but this will be the last occasion. In future I will have to impose a term of imprisonment,” stated W. R. M'Keen, S.M., at the Police Court to-day, when a woman was before him for shoplifting. The woman was Emily Mead, aged 49, and she pleaded guilty to stealing from a large emporium in Karangahape road women’s hose, men’s socks, cotton, combs, and a hair net valued at £2 ss. Mr Thwaites appeared for accused, who admitted the charge. Between 11 and 11.30 a.m. yesterday, said Senior Sergeant Edwards, accused went into the drapery stores to purchase some underclothing for her husband She did not see what she wanted, so she stole the articles mentioned from various floors in the stores. A policeman was sent for, and on being questioned Mrs Mead admitted taking the articles. Mr Thwaites said he could not understand why she took them, as she had some money in the bank, and her husband was in a fair position in the town. It was an isolated case, and accused had never-been previously suspected of shoplifting. Accused’s health was poor, ami recently her whole character had undergone a marked change. She had been married late in life, and had two young children, -who were at present attending school. Mr M'Kean : Is all this necessary, Mr Thwaites? Do you suggest that she did not know what she was doing when she stole these articles? Counsel: No, sir, but I submit it had ■ some bearing on her mental condition, as at the present time she is more to be pitied than made criminally liable for what she has done. It was a case of temporary mental aberration. I would ask your Worship to treat her as leniently as possible. “I think it is my duty to impose a term of imprisonment, but, under the circumstances in this ease I will refrain from doing so. Accused will be fined £l5, or 14 days’ imprisonment,” said the Magistrate.