JUDGE’S AMAZEMENT

Southland Times, Issue 20537, 13 July 1928, Page 8

JUDGE’S AMAZEMENT

STRANGE OLD MAN IN COURT. FIRST CRIME AT SEVENTY-SIX. The problem of how to deal with a man who committed his first crime at the age of 76 was set Mr Justice Humphreys at the Leeds Assizes recently. John Henry Hughes, a retired baker, of venerable appearance, pleaded guilty to being in possession of counterfeit coins, end to robbing an automatic machine by means of such coins. The judge expressed amazement that a man who had led an unblemished life should, in his old age, commit the serious crime of coining. Two detectives stated that, in addition to eight counterfeit sixpences found on Hughes when arrested, they discovered in the cellar of his house a number of other base sixpences, and also a mould bearing the impress of the counterfeits. The judge asked the detective who testified to accused’s good character, if he could explain Hughes’ conduct. The officer replied that he could not. “Has he offered any explanation himself?” asked the judge. “No, except that he had too much time on his hands.” The Judge: “We hear of Satan finding mischief for idle hands to do, but I should have thought a man of 70 might reasonably have a little time off:” The officer said that Hughes had some good friends, but they would not come forward. Hughes and his wife were drawing the old age pension, and the house and furniture were in the woman’s name. The wife obviously knew nothing of her husband’s venture as a coiner. Declaring that he could not find it in his heart to send a man like Hughes to prison, the judge bound him over. “I hope you will never enter a criminal dock again,” remarked the judge, and Hughes, who seemed on the verge of tears, bowed his head.