UNLAWFUL CONVERSION OF MOTOR-CAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 1, 3 January 1939, Page 7

UNLAWFUL CONVERSION OF MOTOR-CAR

TWO MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ACCUSED WAS DRUNK IN CHARGE. [ Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 2. "I cannot overlook a case of deliberate conversion,” said Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M. in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when sentencing Leonard James Stephens, a billiard marker, aged 23, to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour. He was convicted for unlawfully converting a motor-' car, the property of Herbert James McGrath, being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a car and driving a car without a licence. On the last two charges he was discharged. The police evidence showed that the car was parked by its owner, who turned off the benzine, early on the morning of January 1. Accused entered the car and let it run down hill. He was met by a taxi driver and said he was out of benzine. The taxi driver offered him a tow to a petrol station and in Adelaide Road the car, with the accused at the wheel, ran into the back of the taxi. When a police constable arrived on the scene the accused ran off the street but was pursued and arrested. He was under the influence of liquor. Stephens, who pleaded not guilty and was represented by counsel, said he attended a party and had had several drinks. He had no recollection of leaving the party nor did he remember entering the car. “I do not believe a word of what this man has said about not remembering anything,” said the magistrate.