WATCHMAN’S LAPSE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 628, 3 April 1929, Page 11

WATCHMAN’S LAPSE

STOLE BRASS FITTINGS FROM N.Z.R. SYMPATHETIC MAGISTRATE After 25 years’ faithful service in the Railway Department, James Donnelly has lost his position and his pride for the sake of a few pounds of brass fittings. Donnelly, an elderly man, appeared at the Police Court, before Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., this morning. He was charged with stealing a quantity of brass fittings, the property of the Railway Department, from the workshops at Newmarket. • Sub-Inspector McCarthy said -Donnelly was a nightwatchman employed by the Railway Department, and looked after the old Newmarket workshops. Some things had been left behind when the shops had been shifted to Otahuhu, including some brass. Accused was taking them across to his house in a sack, when he was accosted by a constable on Monday night. There was about 171 b of brass in the sack. “He is highly thought of,” said the sub-inspector. Mr. J. J. Sullivan, who appeared for Donnelly, said his client was an old man, and this 'was the first time in his life that anything of this kind had happened. “He has an excellent record of 25 years’ service with the department,” said counsel. “In addition, he went to the war when he was over 40 years of age, and did good service. This is not a breach of trust, as he thought the brass was of no use. As it is, he has lost his position with the department. He has only five years to go before he retires, but his superannuation will be handed back to him, and he will have to face life all over again. He has a grown family and his own home. I ask that lie be not sent to gaol. A light fine would be better, considering the punishment he has had.” Mr. E. C. Cutten: I am sorry for the accused. I do not think he fully appreciated what he was doing. He will be convicted and discharged.