Borstal For Youth Who Converted Father’s Car And Took A Shotgun

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 December 1949, Page 6

Borstal For Youth Who Converted Father’s Car And Took A Shotgun

AUCKLAND, Last Night (PALCharged with unlawfully converting a car valued at £650, Rodney Frank Burns, aged 18, labourer, pleaded guilty in the Police Court. DetectiveSergeant Holmes said accused had left his father’s farm in Hastings, taking with him the car and a shotgun, both the property of his father. He also persuaded a 15-year-old boy to accompany him and to bring a .22 rifle and some ammunition. The two ’youths came to Auckland and when accused was arrested on December 9 a search was made of the car. Eight rounds were found in the magazine of the rifle and there were a further 2000 rounds in the car. The shotgun was not loaded. “Accused is at present on licence, having been sentenced to three yeaxs in Borstal on a charge of armed robbery,” said Detective-Sergeant Holmes. “It would appear that he is a very dangerous youth when in possession of firearms. His parents have done everything to assist him but he has not responded to what has been done for him and they find he is impossible to control.” “He has committed a very grave crime and apparently he intended to keep the car,” said Mr. Wily, S.M. Accused was sentenced to three years in Borstal.