ATTEMPTED THEFT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 274, 9 February 1928, Page 17

ATTEMPTED THEFT

GRIFFIS FOUND GUILTY REMANDED FOR SENTENCE While standing in the yard of the Esplanade Hotel, Devonport, on the evening of the Takapuna races on November 26, William MeKearnan was greeted by a stranger and later missed a £1 note. In the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon before Mr. Justice Blair, Boe Griffis, alias Rae, alias Reid, was charged with the theft of the money from the old man’s pocket and attempted theft. Mr. Hubble prosecuted and Mr. Reed appeared for the accused. MeKearnan, giving evidence, said that after having some drinks in the Esplanade Hotel, he was standing in the yard when the accused came up and invited him to a room. Witness walked to the street, where Detective Nalder and two other detectives were keeping Griffis under observation. It was then that witness missed the money. Evidence was given by the detectives, who said Griffis had been bumping into men and leaning against them in a suspicious manner. After the address this morning the jury retired at 10.35 and returned at 12.15 with a verdict of guilty of the atempted theft, and not guilty of the major count. The prisoner was remanded until , Saturday for sentence-