HIS CHANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17575, 27 June 1925, Page 1

HIS CHANCE.

BOY CYCLE THIEF IN COURT. Before Mr FI. Y. Widdowson, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court this morning. a lad just over the age of sixteen years pleaded guilty to charges of having on Juno -4 stolon a. bicycle valued at £ll. the property of Arthur F. ilnwkings and of having on June 15 stolen a bicyelo valued at £8 10s, the property of Cecil Daniels. Chief-Detective Gibson said the cycles were stolen from the Technical College where accused was a student. I ho machines were the property of other students. Accused had kept one and tried to sell the other. Mr Twynoham, who appeared for accused, said it was an unfortunate case. I ho boy’s parents were most respectable people, whcJ lived in the country. AN hen at home the boy bad# been a good worker. ITo bad taken the tirsfc machine because his own was broken. As this was tho first time he had fallen from grace counsel asked that he be admitted to probation, and in consideration of his youth that his name be suppressed. The boy’s father said ho appeared to have a. weakness for bicycles, lie wanted witness to purchase him a racing machine, but tho request, was refused. Tho boy had always behaved himself at home. Tho Magistrate said it was a pity that n, hoy of this ago should have two convi-tions against him. lie thought the best tiling to do would bo to accede to counsel's suggestion that accused bo placed on probation. Ho would be convicted on each charge and placed on probation for three years, during -which time he would be under tlie absolute discretion and control of the Probotion Officer. “You are being given the chance of your life now.” added the Magistrate. “As you are practically a juvenile I will make an order that jour name bo not published.” ” .Have the bicycles been damaged?” asked the Magistrate, when making an order that they bo returned to their “No, sir, they're all right,” replied the chief detective.