CHARGES OF THEFT

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 56, Issue 4046, 11 May 1938, Page 12

CHARGES OF THEFT

CONVERSION OF BONDS. CONVICTION ENTERED. A young man named Talbot L. Johnston, at present detained at Waikeria, was charged at the local Magistrate’s Court this morning with the theft, at Ohakea, on May 11, 1937, of a Perpetual Forest bond, valued at £2B, the property of one Fred Gordon Boswell. A similar charge, involving theft on May 18, 1937, was also preferred against Johnston. Accused preferred to be dealt with summarily and pleaded guilty. Detective White (Hamilton) stated that Johnston was at the time of the offences a canvasser, and had induced Boswell to hand over two shares for conversion into another investment. The conversion was not completed, and accused used the money for his own purposes. Johnston was due for release from Waikeria next December. His previous convictions had been for minor troubles only. His Worship, after some questions, said that he would not add to ti e sentence accused was at present serving, but told him that if he came before the Court again he could expect no len’ency. Johnston told the Court ho intended to repay the money when he could. “That is a good intention -carry it out if you can,” advised His Worship, as he entered up a conviction.