MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 270, 15 November 1932, Page 5

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

OFFENDERS PUNISHED MISCELLANEOUS CASES I “For the past three weeks he has been loitering around Wanganui and canvassing hotels to sell bootlaces,” said Detective J. Murray to Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court at; Wanganui yesterday morning, when referring to Howard Devine, an Englishman. aged 38 years. Devine was charged with being a disorderly and idle person within the meaning of the Police Offences Act, 1927, in that he had no visible means of support. The detective said that Devine had been arrested suffering from the effects of liquor. He had a long list of convictions. Mr. Salmon: Have you got anything to say, Devine?—Only that I am very sorry to be before you, Your Worship. I am expecting an English mail to-day with some money and if you will give me a chance I will get out of the town. Mr. Salmon: During the past seven years I see that you have been convicted of theft, fraud, being a disorderly and idle person, a rogue and a vagabond with having been illegally on premises and so on. You will be convicted and sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment in the Wellington gaol. A youth, aged 18$ years, whose name was suppressed, was charged with having stolen a motor-cycle head lamp valued at 10s. He was convicted and ordered 12 months’ probation. Detective Murray said that the lamp had been taken from the rear of a house and that accused had said that, he was going to use it for spearing flounders. It had been returned in good order. Accused had been placed on probation in 1929 subsequent to a charge of theft. Tn reply to Mr. Salmon accused said that he had been told that the bicycle had been offered for sale but that it had not been bought. It had been lying in a back garden and, as it had been in poor condition he thought that he might as well have the lamp. Mr. Salmon: That was a senseless act. Do vou want to spoil your career?—No, Sir.

Mr. Salmon: I will give you one more chance because you are only 18$ years of age, and I warn you to think more in future. You will be convicted and admitted to probation. In view of your age I will suppress your name. Accused: Yes, righto. Thanks, Sir.