STOLEN GOODS IN HIS POCKET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17653, 28 September 1925, Page 7

STOLEN GOODS IN HIS POCKET.

SHOP ASSISTANT CAUGHT BY POLICE. “ NOT A CASE FOR FINE,” IS MAGISTRATE’S VIEW. Remarking that the offence was more serious because the accused had been in a position of trust, Mr 11. Y. Widdowson, S.M., this morning imposed a sentence of fourteen days’ imprisonment on Lionel Flegeltaub, aged fifty-three, draper’s assistant. dhe accused had pleaded guilty to two charges (1) of stealing one piece crepe clc chine and one piece of fun sills valued at 15s, tbe property of T. Armstrong and Co.: and (2} of stealing one piece of serge valued at 37s fid, the property of Armstrong and Co. Chief-Detective Gibson said that Flegeltaub was employed by Armstrong and Co. He left the shop on Saturday with two pieces of silk in his pocket. When accosted by Detective

Allen, he admitted taking the silk. In his house he had a piece of serge which he admitted stealing. Tic came from Australia, about eighteen months ago, and was living in lodgings. Nothing was known about him. Mr Batchelor said it was difficult to counter the suggestion that Flegeltaub might be an Australian crook. iiO v..h ef-Detective: I did not suggest that. Mr Batchelor said that this was the first time the accused had ever been in trouble. He came to New Zealand with his wife and child aged one year and eight months. He had been in the one position all the time. The. climate did not suit him. Last month his wife left for Australia and tbe arrangement was that the accused was to follow. Counsel suggested that the Magistrate might pec his way to inflict a fine provided accused left the country by •the next boat. The Magistrate said that it was a serious offence. This man was not like an ordinary person going into a place and picking up a thing. The offence wap worse because accused was in a position of trust. He was not disposed to inflict a fine. These were not cases for fines. He was prepared to accede to counsel’s request not to keep accused too long in the Dominion. The sentence would be fourteen days’ imprisonment on each charge, the sentences to be concurrent.