THEFT CHARGES

Southland Times, Issue 25538, 5 December 1944, Page 6

THEFT CHARGES

AMOUNT OF £40,000 INVOLVED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, December 4. An amount of almost £40,000 was involved, stated Mr W. E. Leicester when he appeared in the Magistrate’s Court this morning on behalf of Leo Brooks, aged 47, who was charged with the theft of 500 shares in Consolidated Brick and Pipe Investments Ltd. valued at £lBl/5/-, the property of Albert Fry Falconer. Mr Leicester said that Brooks had surrendered himself voluntarily and was assisting the police with the investigation. Counsel asked for a remand for two weeks in custody. Mr Leicester said that Brooks was before the Court last Monday on a charge of bookmaking and, while in consultation with him, revealed that he was seriously involved concerning breaches of trust and expressed his willingness to surrender to the police. After investigation Brooks surrendered. Counsel spoke of the £40,000 involved, saying it would result in 100 different charges and added: . “I wish also to say that this man, who is known as a sharebroker, is not a member of the Wellington Stock Exchange or of the Stock Exchange of any other centre. He is merely privately operating as an agent. The ramifications extend over seven years and it will take the best part of two or three weeks to have proper statements made.” It was stated on behalf of the police that they were in agreement with Mr Leicester’s statement and a remand in police custody was asked for to enable Brooks to be kept at the police station, where he is assisting the police to unravel the transactions.