Man Who Made Himself A Cup Of Tea In Grill Room And Left With Cash Bag

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 May 1949, Page 6

Man Who Made Himself A Cup Of Tea In Grill Room And Left With Cash Bag

“You have a fist of previous convictions which I cannot possibly pass by,” commented Mr. A. Coleman, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court, Wanganui, yesterday, when imposing a sentence of two months’ imprisonment on Charles Herbert Brogden, cook, aged 50, who had admitted stealing £6 in money, the property of Ivan Brabic Rich, in Wellington, on September 13 last.

Detective-Sergeant J. K. Robertson, who prosecuted, said that complainant had a grill shop in Wellington and at one time accused had been employed by him. On September 13, last, accused went to the grill room and though not employed there had made himself a cup of tea, which he was welcom e to do. On a mantlepiece in the kitchen, however, was a bag containing approximately £6 in change, and after accused had left the bag was found to be missing. “A complaint was made to the police, but it was not till this morning that accused was located in Wanganui, where he had been working under another name as a cook in an hotel,” said Detective - Sergeant Robertson. “When interviewed he admitted taking the money and said there was about £5 in the, bag. He has been in trouble before.” “It is very difficult for me to deal leniently with you,” the magistiate told Brogden. • “This is not the first appearance by any means so far as you are concerned, nor is it the first appearanc e as regards charges of dishonesty.”