THE LONG ARM.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 15, 18 September 1913, Page 5

THE LONG ARM.

RE-FURN!SHiNG METHODS.

SMART POLICE INTERFERENCE

Away back in 1008 a man named Cliarles Morgan was lineu at tne Stratford Court for assaulting tne

police, and was given tne option o, going to gaol in delanlt of paying tiie fine; but he chose to do neither, and

-disappeared from the knowledge oi tho police until about a montn ago, wiieu the “long arm” dropped on him and sent him up to New Plymouth u work for a month in default of payment of line. Yesterday lie was released and came down to Stratford. He picked up with one, John,Capper, and they both walked round the tow n and partook freely of the cup that cheers. Apparently, after lunch, Morgan set out to refurnish himself before looking for work; and his operations resulted in he and Capper being charged at the Court this morning with having stolen a pair of boots valued at 18s 6d (the property of 11. Hannah), an overcoat and a pair of riding breeches, valued at £4 2s 6d (tho property of Hallenstein Bros.), and a gun-metal watch valued at 3s Hid (the property of C. E. James). Morgan pleaded guilty to each charge, and Capper not guilty.

Messrs J. Black and Joseph McCluggage, J.P.’s., were on the Bench.

Sergeant McNeely said •there was nothing to connect Capper with the thefts beyond tho fact that he was seen in company with Morgan during the day. All the stolen property was found on Morgan.

Henry Janies Burden, salesman at Hannah’s, said he had put the boots outside the shop yesterday, among the number being the pair produced. As witness went to lunch, he saw both accused in company in front of tin shop, and on his return from lunch he missed the hoots.

Sergeant McNeely stated that ii consequence of a complaint from Hannah’s manager he went up Broad way and saw both accused coming down the County Hotel right-of-way. Morgan was carrying an overcoat under which he appeared to have something. Accused went over to tin railway station and sat down. Constable McGowan saw the boots under the overcoat and accused were arrested. Witness had seen them together during the morning. Clarence Russ, salesman at Hallen stein’s, gave evidence that both accused came into the shop. Morgan asked for a shilling, and being refused asked the other young man, being again refused. A little later , they re turned, and Morgan asked to sec some riding breeches. He was showihalf a dozen pairs and asked the prides, but finally said he did not want any. Morgan came in still once again and asked for a large piece of brown paper, being supplied with a full sheet Witness could not be sure if Capper was present on this occasion.

Capper, in a statement, said he had landed in Stratford yesterday morning and had been drinking with Morgan.

Morgan said the only thing ho could say was that he was drunk and did not know what he was doing. A list of Morgan’s convictions war read out. He said all the offencer arose through drink. If given a chanci he would take out a prohibition order against himself. Mr McClnggage said the Bench would deal leniently with Morgan, who would be sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment on each charge, sentences to be concurrent. Capper was discharged.