RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2119, 19 October 1875, Page 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THIS DAY. (Before W; Fbasek', -Esq., R. M.)

XABCENY,

Edward Burns w,as charged that he did on or about the 18tR instant feloniously steal from the dwelling house of one Alfred Eolton a volunteer jumper of the value of 20s. ;r

Defendant pleaded guilty. He said he intended to' redeem the jumper and re.turn it. .

Mr Bullen said the facts were briefly that Alfred Eolton was a member of the Thames Naval Brigade, but was employed on board the Transit trading to Ohinemuri. He was in the habit of leaving his uniform at his brother's. in Shortland, with whom defendant lived. Yesterday morning he saw the uniform was all righf, but in the evening when he wanted it for parade the jumper was gone. Search was made and the prisoner was accused: of taking it. This was found to be the case» arid he had pawned it for three shillings atMrEae's. ' ':"'". '.. ';' : ■''';'" '■'' '

Prisoner had nothing to say, and; His Worship sentenced him to 3 months' imprisonment with hard labor, the sentence being made severe becaus© there were nine previous convictions. against him for various offences.

Mr Bullen mader an application under the 37th clause of the Pawnbrokers Act for talcing an article from the pawnbroker* who it did not appear was tj blame in this matter. It would be competent for His Worship to order the taking of the 'jumper with or without compensation. - His Worship considered this was one of the ordinary risks which men accepted on going into the! pawnbroking business, and he would order restitution of the jumper in this case to the rightful owner, without compensation. Court adjourned.