“ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THIEVES,” SAYS S.M.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18448, 26 April 1928, Page 5

“ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THIEVES,” SAYS S.M.

ACTION OF PAWNBROKER WHO BOUGHT STOLEN WATCH IS CONDEMNED.

In the Magistrate’s Court to-day, Mr C. R. Orr-Walker, S.M., - made some strong remarks concerning a pawnbroker’s action, when Charles Edward Southerwood was charged with the theft of a lady’s handbag, and its contents, a gold watch, a gold chain, and 6s in money, to a total value of £23 11s.

The police stated that Rosamund E. Burnicoat. the owner of the stolen property. was sketching in the public gardens on March 13. She put the bag on the ground beside her. Later, when she went to pick the bag up. it was gone. She straightaway reported her loss to the police. The gold watch and chain were subsequently found in a pawn shop, and from the entry on the pawnbroker’s books accused was traced. The watch had been broken, and the works taken out. The pawnbroker had given accused £2 for the watch and

chain. Accused, after changing his statement twice, said that he found the watch and chain at the foot of a tree in Moorhouse Avenue.

“ This man comes of a large and very respectable family,” said Mr Burns, who appeared for accused. “He is only 25 years of age. His family say that he is sub-normal, and has no sense of responsibility at all. The very theft shows that he is foolish. He gave the wrong name of Sutherland, but he gave his right address, and was easily traced. The offence on which he was previously given two years’ imprisonment was also foolish. He broke and entered a house, and stole 3d, leaving valuable articles behind.

The Magistrate: How long has he been out?

Mr Burns: Since Christmas. When accused was a child he stole money from his father’s till. It is very hard to know what to do with him. I hesitate to ask for probation in the face of his previous convictions. He is all right when he has hard work to keep him occupied.

The Magistrate: He is sentenced to two years’ reformative detention. The Prisons 3 Board can deal with him at their own discretion.

llow Hid the pawnbroker explain his action in buying the gold watch case and the chain from a stranger?” the Magistrate inquired. The Sub-Inspector: He gave no explanation, sir.

‘‘ Is he here?” asked the Magistrate. No : That is a pity. I wish he were. I would put one or two questions to him. It amounts to encouraging thieves. I will not order his £2 to be returned, but the property must go back to the lady.”