PRISON FOR A BORROWER.

Southland Times, Issue 20669, 15 December 1928, Page 17 (Supplement)

PRISON FOR A BORROWER.

From time to time we have commented upon too lenient treatment of members of the car borrowing fraternity, says the “Morris Owner.” In innumerable instances hooligans have taken cars off a public parking place, and when caught red-handed by the police the good work of the officers has been discounted by magistrates in binding the offender over and in one or two glaring instances the case has been dismissed on the plea that only a joy ride was intended. It is therefore gratifying to observe that Mr. R. E. Dummett, North London magistrate, has sent one of these pests to prison for four months pour encourager les autres. “There seennis to be an idea that if you say you had no intention of stealing, it is an excuse for taking someone else's motor-car,” Mr. Dummett remarked in passing sentence. The thanks of the whole motoring cornmunity are due to this magistrate for his sensible view of what Is not only a contemptible offence, but one which can involve the victim in considerable financial loss. We can rest assured that he has done more to check this despicable practice than all the well meaning homilies from the bench put together. It is sincerely to be hoped that the publicity given to Mr. Dummett’s attitude to the borrower will bring this offence before other magistrates in its true perspective.