THREE MONTHS’ GAOL

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 300, 18 December 1931, Page 6

THREE MONTHS’ GAOL

Mein Altered and Painted Stolen Bicycle. POLICE ALLEGATIONS. Robert Frank Oldman, a labourer, aged 22, of Waltham Road, was sent to gaol for three months by Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., this morning for the theft of a bicycle valued at £lO, the property of William Henry James. He pleaded guilty to the charge and also to a charge of stealing a pair of mudguards, a pump and a lamp bracket, for which he was sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment, the terms to be concurrent. A charge of conversion with regard to the same bicycle was ' preferred against Arthur Gordon Ralph, a salesman, aged 21, of W T altham Road. The Magistrate stated that he was satisfied that both Oldman and Ralph were lying in their evidence, but he dismissed the charge as he was not entirely convinced of the conversion. Visit to Quiet Lane. Senior-Sergeant Fox said that Oldman stole a bicycle from outside a skating rink in Dundas Street and took it home. He and Ralph went to the Square and Oldman took another bicycle. They then went to a quiet lane in Papanui with a pot of paint, Ralph, being told of the theft and the purchase of the paint. The bicycle was altered by putting on it the mudguards from the second machine and the paint was applied. Ralph was found in possession of the bicycle and said it belonged to Oldman, who had lent it to him. Ralph could not be charged with theft as the bicycle was stolen before he knew of it. Oldman, called to give evidence by the police, said that most of the facts as stated were correct, but he denied telling Ralph that the machine had been stolen. He declared that he had signed a statement without having a chance to read it. After other evidence had been heard and Ralph had denied knowledge of the theft, the Magistrate said it was perfectly evident that both accused were lying. Oldman would be sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for stealing the bicycle and fourteen days on the other charge. “ As far as Ralph is concerned it is evident that the men did not tell the truth,” stated Mr Mosley. The onus was on the police, however, t 6 show that the bicycle was converted. The Magistrate said that although Ralph was lying he was not satisfied of the accused’s guilt. The case would be dismissed.