ASKED FOR GAOL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 664, 16 May 1929, Page 1

ASKED FOR GAOL

‘ONLY THING FOR CLIENT” SAYS COUNSEL MAGISTRATE OBLIGES Recognising that his client was ! deserving of punishment, and that he had forfeited all right to probation, Mr. L. P. Leary asked for* : the imposition cf a short term of imprisonment when Rigby Brookes i Bellerby appeared for sentence at the Police Court this morning. Bellerby, a labourer, whose age was given as 35, had previously pleaded guilty on four charges of obtaining money by means of valueless cheques. The total sum involved was £2O 10s. He also admitted breaking the terms of his probation order. In the opinion of Chief-Detective Hammond, Bellerby specialised in false pretence. He had come to town and endeavoured to cash a cheque for £lO with an hotel-keeper, who had given him £3, telling him to collect the balance on the following day. Bellerby had not returned. He had obtained a further sum from Dr. Pezaro whom he had paid with a false cheque for some minor medical attention. The man was still on probation for an earlier offence. Counsel attributed Bellerby's lapses to tho effect of drink. At other times ho Was quite all right. “Bellerby comes of a highly-respected family,” continued counsel. “Hitherto the family lias always met his cheques, and 1 think that it lias had a bad effect. It has been suggested that he should go to Roto Roa Island, but I learn this morning that his wife and family would then be left destitute.” Mr. Leary handed up to the magistrate a letter from the wife, describing sit as possibly the most pathetic document ever read in the court. “She apparently still has faith in the man,” he said. Counsel assured the magistrate that Bellerby was prepared to straighten up. He had been given the bigges shock of his life and the three weeks he had already spent in gaol had had a sobering effect upon him. Bellerby was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.