TWO YEARS’ GAOL.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20482, 7 December 1934, Page 8

TWO YEARS’ GAOL.

Burglar’s Lengthy List of Convictions. JUDGE'S COMMENT. Two years’ gaol was the sentence imposed on James Ross, alias Kingi, who appeared for sentence on a burglary charge before Mr Justice Johnston in the Supreme Court this morning. His Honor referred to prisoner's bad record, and said he would have no option but to impose a severe penalty. Ross, who was not represented by counsel, said that he had been under the influence of drink at the time. “ I am sorry for you,” said his Honor. ‘‘lt seems you have spent most of your time in gaol, with convictions from 1919 to date. In September last year you were convicted of theft' and given one year’s probation; on January 30 last, at Timaru, you were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for theft; on two occasions in 1933, at Dunedin, you received three months’ and six months’ imprisonment for theft; you were fined for assault in August, 1933; you have been convicted for obtaining credit by fraud. “ Indeed, you have got a criminal record which debars me from treating your case lightly.” His Honor, in passing sentence, said that he would have to inflict a severe penalty. Harold Joseph Henry (Mr Milliken) and James Cadman 'Ashworth (Dr Ilaslam), who appeared for sentence on charges of breaking and entering and theft, before Mr Justice Johnston in the Supreme Court this morning, were each sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment.