IN POSSESSION OF A BOMB

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1932, Page 15

IN POSSESSION OF A BOMB

CHARGE AGAINST ELDERLY MAN. (POLICE OPPOSE BAIL. , , i Martpn, June 6Arrested on Saturday afternoon by Constable Thompson, Charles William Hoffman, aged 64, a widower, ana a bus driver by occupation, appeared in the Marton Police Court this morning charged that, on June 2, at Marton, he did knowingly have in his possession a dangerous thing, to wit. a bomb, with intent to commit a crime. Senior-Detective Quirke represented the police, and asked for a remand until June 20. Counsel for accused raised an objection, and the presiding Justices (Messrs. A. J. B. Sicely and A. C. Parkinson) accordingly granted the request. Counsel raised the question of ball. He was not yet in a position to offer sureties, but these would be forthcoming. He suggested that bail be granted provided the sureties were satisfactory. “We oppose bail,” said Detective-Sei-geant Quirke. “The charge is a serious one, and the safety of the public must be considered. If, however, bail is granted, we would ask that it.be substantial, and that the money be put up.” The Bench retired to consider the matter, and were absent for some time. On resuming Mr. Sicely asked for some idea of the nature of the bomb. Mr. Quirk: All I can say is that it is a very deadly thing. I might add that Hoffman has made serious threats against a certain man in this town; he is in a desperate financial position, both his buses having been taken from him on Saturday. We have very special reasons for opposing bail.” The Bench intimated that it had been decided to grant bail—two sureties of £2OO each to be deposited in cash, and one surety of £2OO. Hoffman, however, must not be out from his home between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 a.m.