WENT ON A DRINKING BOUT

Taranaki Daily News, 19 October 1927, Page 9

WENT ON A DRINKING BOUT

SIGHT OF SUICIDE HAUNTS A POLICEMAN’S LAPSE FROM DUTIf TWO YEARS’ PROBATION AND FINH By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Elwyn Laurence Hargreaves, aged 31, the Mangawai district constable who left his post and went on a drinking bout to induce sleep because he had been haunted by the gruesome sight of a man who had blown his head off, appeared for sentence before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., at the Police Court this morning. “I have been a little worried to know exactly what to do with this man,” said the magistrate. “I have discussed the matter with the probation officer and the chief detective. After all, Hargreaves was only a district constable. He did not have to undergo the same training as an ordinary constable. Bia work was really part time work, and he was engaged by the month, while he was also permitted to take ou other duties. Had he been an ordinary constable, I would have given him a substantial sentence.” Mr. Hunt added that Hargreaves left for the war when only 17 years of age and had returned disabled. There was no doubt that he became affected by a suieide case at Kaiwaka he was called upon to investigate. He afterwards left for Auckland, where he went on a drinking bout and he drew cheques when he had no money in the bank. Certainly he had gone to Sydney, but he had afterwards realised he had done . wrong and returned to give himself up. “I therefore think the ends of justice will be met by placing him on probation for two years on the charges of theft and false pretences,” said the magistrate. “On the charge of deserting hie post he will be fined £10.” On the application of Chief-Detective Cummings, an order was made f r the restitution of £9O. Hargreaves’ counsel said full restitution had already been made.