THE IMPULSE TO CRIME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 8

THE IMPULSE TO CRIME.

OLD OFFENDER REAPPEARS. AUCKLAND, July 28.

“You will go back whence you came—to prison. You will be restored to your status of an habitual criminal, and I think I can promise that you will remain there for some considerable time.” These words, addressed bj’ Mr Justice Stringer in the Supreme Court to-day to William Henry Grant preceded the passing ot a sentence of thr. e years’ imprisonment upon him for theft from hi.; employer. The solicitors’ table resembled a fancy goods counter, littered as it was by watches, silver spoons and forks, cutlery, handbags, and other articles, when Grant, a well-dressed, debonair man of 33 was arraigned on charges of stealing 10 watches valued at £3O on "May 5. and a suitcase containing watches, handbag's, and other articles valued at £2l Ils 9d on "May 2 from his employer, Victor Edgar.

His Honor described it as a simple case in which the facts were undisputed, and the evidence for the prosecution was uncontradicted.

Twenty-five minutes later the jury returned with a venliet of guilty. The termination of the case had a dramatic turn. “About the only point I can advance is the length of time which has elapsed since the accused’s last offence,'’ said defending counsel (Mr W. A. Beattie). His Honor: I would not bother saying anything about it. I know it all. The accused has been declared an habitual criminal, and seems to spend most of his life getting back into gaol as soon as be gets out. Addressing the prisoner, his Honor said: “You have been on license since March of last year. You have had a short interval of liberty. Now you will go back whence you came.” Remarking that in such a case the fixing of - term of imprisonment was merely formal, his Honor sentenced the accused to three years’ imprisonment.