Shoplifter Collapsed In The Dock.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 21 December 1928, Page 1

Shoplifter Collapsed In The Dock.

“MY CHILDREN!” WAS HER CRY WHEN SENTENCED.

TWO WOMEN SENT TO GAOL FOR STEALING

Gaol sentences were imposed on Anita Esther Wilson (three weeks) and Annie Celina Kortegast (fourteen days), who came before Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court this morning for sentence on charges of shoplifting. The charges were heard yesterday, when the accused women pleaded guilty to five charges of theft from shops of goods valued at over £46, the thefts extending over a period of months.

“What to do with, these women has given me a great deal of thought and worry,” said the Magistrate. I cannot, however, see my way clear to admitting them to probation.

“Their offences date from July to December, showing a deliberate course of dishonesty and theft. I am sorry that 1 must send these women to gaol ” Here Wilson, the younger of the two, burst into tears and had to be supported in the dock. “There is nothing else for it,” continued the Magistrate. “I have arrived at the conclusion that the younger woman is the stronger character of the two, and really the leading spirit. She is sentenced t<i> three weeks’ imprisonment, and the, other is sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment. Those sentences are really inadequate, but the publicity attached to the case will be a greater punishment to women like these than any I could inflict.”

The older woman remained impassive, but Wilson, crying, “My children, my children,” had to be supported and almost carried from the dock.