AUCKLAND “FIRE ALARMS”

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1930, Page 11

AUCKLAND “FIRE ALARMS”

IMBECILE OF CRIMINAL TYPE, j “MENACE TO THE COMMUNITY.” . , By Telegraph —Press Association. Auckland, December 3. When a constable arrested Vincent Crichton, aged 26, labourer, in. the act of giving a false fire alarm on November 21 he arrested 'more than a mere- mis-chief-maker. That was made clear in the Police Court to-day when Crichton was charged/ with giving.-three false alarm's and twice: setting; fire to a private house.

The magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt, said he had a long:, report from the mental hospital superintendent, who concluded that Crichton was an imbecile of a, criminal type and a menace to the cO'Himunity. Accused’s counsel said it was obvious that he must; be committed.

The magistrate: I think this will clear up a - lot 'of undetected, crime. ,I . understand .'a large number of cases have .been traced to him.” / , . ; ’ /;■ ■ ,/Defective Kelly Yes; the damage he has caused ; runs ... into. thousands.. He adjnits setting' fire to a, warehouse in Auckland about, 1920. The amount paid ininsurance ‘ after that fire was £42,000;” The. detective added that accused, also, ■■ admitted that when a boy he set .fire to ' the Napier Street school, Auckland, and' the Foxton school, also empty houses in Wellington and freezing. works-in ‘Nelson. Accused had been employed at ■ the works. He admitted that he set fire to his own tent. The damage at the works, which were fired twice, amounted to £3OOO. The machinery was also damaged. There were other, similar 1 offences. ' s ' . ' ’ Accused was committed to the Auckland mental hospital.