NO LAWFUL EXCUSE

Southland Times, Issue 21606, 19 January 1932, Page 6

NO LAWFUL EXCUSE

FOUND ON PREMISES LABOURER ON’ ROOF OF STRONGROOM ALERT TRAMWAYMAN (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, January 18. Discovered last evening lying above the strongroom in the Christchurch Tramway Board’s depot in Falsgrave street, Robert James Foote, a labourer aged 41, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court this morning with being found on the board’s premises without lawful excuse. Senior-Sergeant Fox asked for a remand as the circumstances of the arrest were such that a more serious charge might be preferred. About six o’clock last evening a, tram conductor heard a peculiar tapping coming from between the ceiling and the roof of the depot. ' The impression was gained at first that the noise was caused by the wind. It continued however and the conductor decided to make an investigation. Placing a ladder against the wall, he climbed up and looked through a manhole. He discovered accused lying there. Foote was right over the strongroom. An attempt to break through had been made. Some implements for breaking through concrete were also found. Subsequently accused stated that he intended to make an attempt to break into the strongroom but had abandoned the idea. He also explained that when he went to the depot he had no intention of doing anything wrong, but had been driven to it through loss of employment and the fact that he had seven children. Detective Thomas had visited accused’s home and found the family to be in very straitened circumstances. Accused was remanded till January 26, bail being allowed in £5O. Foote admitted the charge he appeared to answer and sentence was deferred.