A CONTRITE PRISONER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3886, 4 September 1928, Page 67

A CONTRITE PRISONER.

fcUCKLEY ADMITS OFFENCES. PROMISE MADE TO REFORM HAMILTON, August 28 “ I am sincerely sorry for having committed all-those crimes which resulted from my escape from prison. I now await sentence from your Honor, knowing full well that I am deserving of no favourable consideration’” This concluded a written statement handed to Mr Justice Blair in the Supreme Court to-day by John Leslie Buckley, who recently made a sensational escape from Mount Eden Prison, aiid eluded the police for several weeks. Buckley pleaded guilty to charges of stealing £l4 from a Taumarunui hardware shop, and breaking and entering the premises of the Farmers’ Auctioneering Company, Taumarunui. In his statement Buckley said he had no excuse to offer. “ I am heartily sick and tired of dishonesty. I have several years’ imprisonment before me, and have resolved that during those years I shall make of myself a better and more worthy man. A woman member of the Howard League for Penal Reform has kindly offered to help me in this. lam only sorry that such help was not offered me a few months back.” He was sentenced to 12 months, following his present term.