UNCLE’S INFLUENCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 987, 2 June 1930, Page 1

UNCLE’S INFLUENCE

LEADS NEPHEW TO LIFE OF CRIME TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED The influence of his uncle, who was also charged with \ him, was said by Chief-Detective Hammond, at the Police Court this morning, to be- responsible for the downfall of John Booth Prohl. aged 19. Henry James Dickman. the uncle, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, to be followed by two years’ reformative detention. Prohl was committed to "VVaikeria for two years. ‘Tie wants to be made to work and he will be there,” commented the probation officer.

Dickman, a labourer, aged 29, pleaded guilty to stealing a suit valued at £2 10s from persons unknown, on January 2. He also admitted receiving a ring, valued at £2 10s, on February 9. Prohl pleaded guilty to

attempting to steal the contents of 4 till, the property of Ruby Meyrick, on May 22. lie also pleaded guilty to

stealing two rings and £9 10s i?i money, of a total value of £45, from Mrs. Ellen Yates and others on February 9. Prohl and Dickman together were charged with breaking and entering the dwelling of Martha Louisa Braitliwaite, on March 5, and stealing a watch, a torch and 8s 8d of a total value of £ 5 ISs Sd. They were also charged with breaking and entering the premises of Edward George Partridge, on February 14, and stealing 10s and clothing valued at £l. They pleaded guilty to both charges and were committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.

Prohl, according to Chief-Detective Hammond, had stolen the rings and money from under a rug on Shelly Beach while the owners were in swimming. He gave a ring to another Dickman, a brother of the accused, who pledged it for him. Prohl had gone into a shop at Newmarket and was caught by the occupier as he was attempting to get away with the till. He had been committed to the Borstal for three years in 1927, and cajne out last year. He was under the influence of the other accused, Dickman, who was his uncle.

For Dickman there wag nothing to be said. He also had a list, the chief - detective stated. He had stolen the suit from a place in Remuera. Dickman had worn it continually since and it was the only one he had. The suit was of no further value to the owner.