THEFT CHARGES

Southland Times, Issue 20228, 13 July 1927, Page 7

THEFT CHARGES

THREE CASES. TWO OFFENDERS GET SIX MONTHS. Two men who appeared before Mr. G. Cruickahank, S.M., yesterday afternoon to answer charges of theft received six months’ imprisonment with hard labour, while a youth charged with receiving stolen goods was remanded till Friday. THEFT AT A DANCE. William Fullerton Campbell, a young man, twenty-one years of age, was the first to be placed in the dock. The charges preferred against him were, stealing at Pukearuhe on July 1 a coat valued at £4 belonging to William McFettrick and a British-warm valued at £2, spurs valued at 5/- and a girth valued at 4/-, the property of Ralph Swale. Sergeant Fox explained that the accused had been arrested by Constable Kerse at Winton on Monday last. On the occasion of a dance at Pukearuhe on July 1 the ac< cused had effected an exchange that was greatly to his advantage. He had removed two good overcoats and left his own milk tary coat instead. The smaller articles concerned in the charge were in the pocket of one of the coats. When first interviewed by the constable he had denied his guilt, but later admitted it. He had two pre' vious convictions and had only been clear of probation for six months. The articles concerned had all been recovered. Campbell pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour. AN UNDESIRABLE IMMIGRANT. David Macey Lillie, who on Saturday had pleaded guilty to charges of theft of moneys totalling £3B 10/- and who was remanded so that the Magistrate could obtain the probation officer’s report, replaced Campbell in the dock. The Probation Officer’s report which was handed to the Magistrate did not recommend probation. Mr. Gordon Reed, who appeared for the accused, asked that in view of the fact that negotiations were being entered into for the repayment of the money, leniency might be shown and probation allowed. He repeated his oipnion that Lillie was a “harmless individual.” The Magistrate disagreed with such a description of the accused after the disclosures that had been made. Moreover his previous employers had given him a bad character. Mr. Reed asked in what line of business the accused’s previous employers were, and was informed that they were photograph enlargers. “I have no sympathy with either photograph enlargers or their salesmen,” said Mr. Reed, and sat down. The Magistrate sentenced Lillie to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour. A REMAND TILL FRIDAY. A youth named Maurice Patrick Duffy, charged with receiving a suit of clothes valued at £5, the property of Ross and Glendining, knowing the same to be dishonestly obtained, was remanded till Friday.