"I MAY AS WELL"

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1787, 5 November 1919, Page 4

"I MAY AS WELL"

A PLEA OF GUILTY. CYCLE THIEF'S NONCHALANCE. ..Unusual nonchalance was .displayed by a would-be cycle thief when brought before Messrs T. E. Eraser and F. H. J.P.'s, in the Magistrate's Court this morning. Accused apparently thought it just as easy to say guilty as not guilty, and was committed for sentence. Frederick . Alexander Jackson was charged with attempting to steal a motor cycle and side-chair, valued at £IOO, from Hagley Park on October 18. Owen Arthur York Johnston, student at Christ's College, stated that ou Saturday, October 18, he was playing cricket at Hagley Park. He left his motor cycle and side-chair inside the park by the second gate, about 2 o'clock. In consequence of what he was told about 4.45 p.m. he went to look for his motor cycle, but could not find it. He saw a man named Armstrong running across the ground in the direction of the road and followed. He saw Armstrong speak to accused, who had the motor cycle. Witness said, "That is not your motor cycle."' Accused replied, "I thought it was my cousin's." After some hesitation accused on interrogation said his name was Fred Jackson, and he lived at 552 Lincoln EoaAl. The priming caps of the cycle had been opened. The machine was valued at £IOO. Accused had no questions to ask. Hamish Francis Armstrong, also a student at Christ's College, stated that he thought he had his cousin's cycle. In the meantime Johnston came up and took possession of his cycle.

To the Bench: Accused had the machine 150 yards from where it was left. When asked how he would plead, accused replied, '' Guilty, I know nothing about it. I don't remember the thing taking place." The Bench: Why plead "guilty if you are not sure? Accused: Oh, I may as well. The evMence is against me. I have been drinking heavy f,or the last three months. I suppose I was drunk when I did it." Accused was accordingly committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.