THEFT FROM GARAGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 673, 27 May 1929, Page 1

THEFT FROM GARAGE

GENEROSITY ILL REPAID! TWO YOUNG MEN IN DOCK Repaying the generosity of a man in charge of a motor garage who had allowed them to use the telephone in his office, two young men stole £9 11s 9d from his unlocked till on Sunday morning. This morning at the Police Court, David Campbell, a tinsmith aged 27, and Leslie Baldwin, a driver aged 29, were charged with stealing £9 11s 9d from a city motor garage. Mr. J. F. W. Dickson appeared and entered a plea of guilty. Chief-Detective Hammond said that the two men had gone into the garage and, saying that they wanted to ring for a taxi, asked permission to use the office phone. “While the watchman was absent they pulled open the till and grabbed what notes and silver they could,’’ continued the chief detective. “Both men were arrested yesterday. It is Baldwin’s first appearance before the Court, but Campbell has two previous convictions for theft.” Mr. Dickson pointed out to the Court that Campbell’s previous convictions dated back to 1925, when he had been charged with stealing motor mascots. His brother was prepared to give evidence on his behalf and said that he was an excellent working man belonging to the King Country. When he came to town with money he took to drink and the brother was doling out the money to him, just giving him enough to live on. Counsel said that both men were very much under the influence of liquor and that the theft had been the result of sudden temptation.

A remand was made until Friday, and Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., suggested that the probation officer report on both men to assist him in passing sentence.

Mr. Dickson’s request for bail was not granted, the magistrate considering that a few days in gaol would do accused no harm.