SOLICITOR’S LAPSE

Southland Times, Issue 22074, 22 July 1933, Page 5

SOLICITOR’S LAPSE

THEFT AND FORGERY. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, July 21. On one charge of theft and two of forgery, Huddart Richards Sampson, a solicitor, aged 30, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour by Mr Justice Blair in the Supreme Court to-day. Mr W. R. Lascelles, for prisoner, said that Sampson had been a popular member of the profession and his defalcations had come as a complete surprise to his fellow practitioners For accused he wished to say that the other charges were in part consequential on the first. It might be that apprenticeship in the wine and spirit business was not conducive to a successful legal career. Accused, while still young, developed a liking for liquor. He qualified at 21 and commenced practice as a principal when 23, which was rather young. He had scarcely started when he became over nopular, a good fellow, and had attempted to keep pace with those who had means greater than his own. His Honour said that all cases of the type were very painful to deal with. Records showed that for six years prisoner had been engaged in systematic forgery and his thefts totalled £1345. He had been in a position of trust and had been admitted to an honourable profession which guaranteed the honesty of its members. Prisoner would be sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour. In subsequent proceedings his Honour made a rule nisi directing Sampson to show cause why he should not be struck off the roll of barristers and solicitors.