COURT’S SYMPATHY WAS WON

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 February 1949, Page 6

COURT’S SYMPATHY WAS WON

Special Features In Bank Theft Case

WELLINGTON, Last Night (P.A.) —There were features in the case which justified the court in regarding it as exceptional, said Mr, Justice Fair, in the Supreme 'Court today when Leslie CoJin Veitch, 43 years, bank clerk, appeared for sentence after pleading guilty to the theft of £265 12s 6d as a servant of the Reserve Bank. His Honour added that for many years prisoner’s domestic life had imposed an almost intolerable burden upon him, in which he had shown great forbearance and, indeed, generosity. His Honour admitted Veitch to two years’ probation and ordered restitution to be made from superannuation funds to his credit. Loss of employment in the circumstances, after 25 years’ loyal service, was in itself considerable punishment, said His Honour.

Augustus Stephen Parsons, 36, butcher, and car salesman, having been found guilty of conspiracy to defraud, was sentenced to 15 months’ hard labour cumulative on his present sentences.

James Henry Cecil Hozier Hannah, 39, and Michael James Savage, 45, seamen, who had pleaded guilty to theft at New Plymouth, were each admitted to probation for three years on condition they both remained on their ship until she sailed.