“A SHABBY THEFT”

Southland Times, Issue 19311, 1 August 1924, Page 6

“A SHABBY THEFT”

AN INVERCARGILL CASE A FISH SHOP INCIDENT At the Police Court at Dunedin on Wednesday, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., Albert Lewis Kofoed (Mr C. J. L. White) was charged with, on Julyl2, 1924, at Invercargill, stealing the sum of 10/-, the property of Hector Thompson. Accused pleaded guilty. Chief-Detective Lewis said accused was employed about 12 months ago with the Public Works Department at Tu at ape re. He received an injury to his leg, and used to visit Invercargill for treatment. When he went there he called on complainant, w r ho was a friend of his, and who occupied a fish shop. On one occasion his friend left the shop for a few minutes, and on his return found accused standing near the till. Complainant examined it and found 10/had been taken. Accused admitted the theft and returned the money. Mr White said it was a foolish crime committed on the impulse of the moment. He would ask the Magistrate to take into consideration the fact that accused was not yet 21, and came from a respectable family. Since receiving his injury he had not been the same, and in view of all the circumstances he suggested that accused’s name be not published. The Rev. G. E. Moreton (acting-Proba-tion Officer) said he had interviewed accused, and this was his first lapse. The Magistrate, in convicting accused and ordering him to come up for sentence within six months, said he would not prohibit publication of the name. This was only done in special cases, and as this was a case of a shabby theft an order would not be made.