ROBBED TELEPHONE SLOTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 305, 24 December 1937, Page 8

ROBBED TELEPHONE SLOTS

LABOURER SENT TO GAOL [ Per Press Association. ) AUCKLAND, Dec. 23. Wilful damage to three telephone slots in the Point Chevalier district from which 15s 8d in pennies was stolen during the early morning hours on Tuesday, was alleged in six charges preferred against Eian Hector Archibald Donald McDonald, labourer, aged 33, when he appeared in the Police Court. Represented by Mr. Pigoin, accused pleaded guilty. Detective-Sergeant McHugh said that a night police patrol were investigating a ...complaint regarding damage to boxes when they discovered the accused practically in the act of tampering with a slot in a fourth box. Hi prepared himself for his operations by obtaining a pair of gloves, two small screwdrivers and a small attache case in which to place money,” said the detective. "Accused explained to the police that he had been in financial difficulties following some matrimonial troubles with his wife," said Mr. McHugh. "He hoped to obtain sorm ready cash by opening a number o c telephone slots.” Referring to accused’s list of previous convictions, the magistrate (Mr. F. K. Hunt) said it would be interesting Io know what could be said in accused’s favour. "There is not very much I can say for him,” said Mr. Pigoin, who went on to detail the accused’s matrimonial troubles. Accused was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.