CHARGE OF THEFT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19423, 7 September 1937, Page 4

CHARGE OF THEFT

UNEMPLOYMENT FUND OFFICER IN COURT ONE WITNESS HEARD Evidence in respect of a charge of theft against Percy Fulton, a clerk in the employment of the Government, was tendered in the Police Court this morning, the hearing of further evidence being held over until to-morrow, when a special fixture of the court will be held to deal with the charges brought against the accused.

The allegation mentioned to-day was that on or about July 31, 1936. at Gisborne, Fulton did steal the sum of lis 6d, the property of the employment promotion fund. Mr. L. T. Burnard appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty to the charge. Detective G. A. McWhirter, on behalf of the police, intimated to Messrs. M. Doyle and E. Harris, J.Ps.. who occupied the bench, that it was desired to put on record the evidence of one witness who was employed on a ship, and who would not be available to-morrow except at inconvenience to his employers.

John McNaUlty, employed as a seaman, stated that in 1936, he was' in receipt of sustenance. In July he made a declaration of his earnings, and later he received a payment of £1 9s which was in excess of what he was entitled to. He handed this amount to Fulton, who admitted there had been a mistake, and gave him 17s 6d out of the £1 9s, with a receipt for the balance. Witness took the money which Fulton gave him and raised no further questions.

Mr. Burnard had no questions to put to the witness, and Fulton was remanded until to-morrow, bail being allowed as before.

It was indicated by Detective McWhirter that a special fixture of the court had been arranged for to-mor-row, at which this and other cases were to be proceeded with.