LLOYD GEORGE'S SPOONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 150, 27 June 1934, Page 11

LLOYD GEORGE'S SPOONS

SOLD TO A JEWELLER ROBBERY AS A “PRANK” YOUTHS BEFORE THE COURT. A burglary at Mr. Lloyd George’s house at Kensington was the subject of r charge at West London on May 5, when Michael James Rewsou, aged 21, with no home, Walter Bridger, aged 17, a clerk, and a boy of 16, were charged with breaking into the house and steling vutlery worth £4. Charles Wood, gardener at the house, stated that he locked up the place at 9.30 that evening, and an hour later found the glass pane of the pantry window lying on the lawn and the puntry in disorder. He went to telephone thc police, leaving Mr. Lloyd George’s dog on guard at the window. Witness identified some silver spWns an part of the missing properly. Evidence was given that Rewsin sold these to a jeweller three days after the burglary. Bridger and the boy were represented in court by a solicitor, who suggested that, in view of the fact that Rewsin had been committed to the sessions on other charges the present charge might be reduced to one of larceny, so that the two younger defendants might be dealt with summarily. The bench consented. Bridger and I the boy then pleaded guilty to the larceny. Counsel urged that this was more of a foolish prank on the part of these lads than anything else. Rewson asked thc two younger acused to go with him to “go into a house.’’ They consented, thinking it was a sort of lark and meaning to bluff the matter out, but when they found it was serious they wanted to back out. Rewsin taunted them with being cowards, and foolishly their pride urged them to go through with it. They never had any of thc property, and they had not seen Rewsin since. Both lads were in good employment and came of good parentage. A polh'e sergeant said that he could confirm the solicitor’s statement, and added that it. was clear from n statement Bridger had made that up to the last minute he and the other hov were very reluctant to go on with this escapade. The magistrate observed that this was reallv a serious offence, and perhaps the term “prank” rather too light a word to applv. He thought, however, that these lads were led awav by Rewsin, and did not reallv appreciate the seriousness of the affair. In tho circumstances he bound ea»ch nf them over and placed them on probation. Tho charge against Rewsin was adjourned until other charges against him had boon dealt with at the sessions.