BURGLARS SENTENCED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17567, 18 June 1925, Page 1

BURGLARS SENTENCED.

“OFFENCE IS TOO COMMON.” The fact that three young men came up for sentence for breaking and entering to-day was briefly commented on by Mr Justice MacGregor, who said: ‘‘This offence, evidently, is becoming too common, and must be put a stop to.” Each man was sentenced to be detained for reformative treatment for a period not exceeding two years. Two of the prisoners, Edmund Harrington Ward and Leo James M’Gow an, broke into the Greater Crvstal Palace and Johnston and Smith’s premises earlv this month. Both of these men are about twenty-one Years of age. Both had been before the Court previously, and were on probation when they committed the fresh offences. Mr Ainodco appeared for Ward. The third offender was ' "vril M’Guire, eighteen years of age. Mr Twyneliarff, who appeared for him, said that lie had been before the Court two years ago for breaking into a place in Chancery Lane. He was admitted to probation had earned high opinions from his employers. He gave £1 2s 6d to his mother and paid os a week for a bicycle, leaving only 2s fid a week for himself. Ilis Honor said that he hoped that that young fellow, with ample time to make good, would take advantage of his opportunities, in spite of the fact that the privilege of probation did not seem to be much good to him. Albert Stuart Davidson, a single man thirty-one years of age", who pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the King Edward Barracks and stealing a military overcoat valued at £2 12s, was admitted to probation to-day for twelve months. Mr Justice MacGregor, in giving Davidson the benefit of probation, said that the prisoner suffered from the effects of drink at the time and had not recovered his mental balance since the war. Davidson was ordered to pay £1 lls costs and to take out a prohibition order against himself.