SIX MONTHS FOR THEFT

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1931, Page 8

SIX MONTHS FOR THEFT

“PUTTING UP A BAD RECORD.” ROBBED HIS BENEFACTOR. When the Rev. *R. E. Evans returned to the Manse in Argyle Street, Hawera, on Tuesday afternoon he heard a noise which caused him to search the house, and James Maxwell was discovered hiding behind the bathroom door. Mr. Evans lectured him upon his erring ways and sent him away with the price of a meal in his pocket. Mrs. Evans airived about 6 p.m. and found that certain articles were missing, and as a result Maxwell was arrested in a drunken condition about 7 p.m. and was yesterday sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by Messrs. G. H. Buckeridge and R. S. Sage, J’s.P., in the Hawera Court for the theft of a wristlet watch, a torch, scissors and a shirt. “On the charge of being found drunk you will be convicted and discharged,” said Mr. Buckeridge to accused. “The theft charge is much more serious. You have been putting up a bad record in thin district.” For the prosecution Sergeant J. Henry outlined 1 the circumstances leading to the arrest. It was explained that accused was an old offender, having been convicted previously for breaking and enterincr on two occasions, for theft and for wiftwl damage. Accused had been in the district about a month and was really a bird of passage, the other convictions having been entered at Wellington, Napier, Wanganui and Stratford in the period from 1927. He had recently registered as unemployed. Accused, who pleaded guilty, was not represented by counsel.\