PRISONER PARNELL TO SERVE FURTHER THREE YEARS AFTER 1951

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 May 1948, Page 6

PRISONER PARNELL TO SERVE FURTHER THREE YEARS AFTER 1951

(0.C.) Palmerston North, May 3. When Leslie John Parnell completes three years imprisonment with hard labour imposed upon him in the Supreme Court, Wanganui on February 16 this year, will immediately begin a further term of similar duration, which was the sentence meted out to him by Mr. Justice Christie in the Spreme Court at Palmerston North today. Parnell, who escaped from Mount Cawford prison,. Wellington, on April 16, while awaiting trial at Palmerston North on eight indictable charges, was recaptured at Taupo on Saturday. He was brought to Palmerston North on Sunday and when he appeared in the Supreme Court today he reversed his earlier pleas to guilty on four charges of breaking, entering and theft, and four charges of receiving stolen goods. In addition, he appeared for sentence on a charge of stealing a motor-car at Hamilton in December last, and to which he previously pleaded guilty. With the exception of two charges, all the offences related to crimes in the Otaki, Leyin and Palmerston North areas.

On each of four charges of breaking and entering and theft, Parnell was sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour. On eaoh of four charges of receiving stolen goods he was convicted and discharged. On the charge of stealing a motor-car Parnell was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

His Honour stated that terms Would be concurrent and would commence on the expiration of three years hard labour imposed on Parnell in Wanganui on February 16, 1948.

After appearing in the Supreme Court Parnell made an appearance before Mr. J. R. Heard, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court on remand from Rotorua on a charge of having escaped from lawful custody. On the application of Senior Detective O. Power, Parnell was remanded to appear at Wellington next Monday. Parnell was taken to Wellington under heavy escort later in the day.