Two Bottles Of Whisky Stolen From Hotel

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 October 1950, Page 8

Two Bottles Of Whisky Stolen From Hotel

Described by his counsel as "a broken down old chap with little to live for,” 66-year-old James David Markham, single, cabinetmaker, of 18 Ridgway Street, faced two charges of theft In the Wanganui Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Messrs C. It. White and H. Alp, J’s.P. The charges were that on September 9 he stole two bottles of whisky, valued at 13 10s, the property of Cecil Bowles; and th*t on September 27 he stole three botties of French brandy, valued at £5 ss, the property of Cecil Bowles. The Criminal Investigation Branch said that it was a particularly bad type of case and, as there was little indication as to how the thefts had been made, suspicion was likely to be thrown on members of the hotel staff. Defendant had been drinking considerably. He had not been before the Court since 1933. For defendant, Mr W. G. Clayton said defendant was under the influence of liquor when the thefts occurred. A doctor had said that the case was a pathetic one. Defendant suffered from bronchitis, which was another factor which drove him to drink. . Unable to work he receiveci the Social Security benefit. As defendant was not a dangerous type, it would do little good to send him to prison, said Mr Clayton. Defendant admitted the thefts ami said he used a key to enter the wine and spirits store. The Bench took a lenient view because of Markham’s age and the fact that he had not been before the Court for 17 years and fined him £5 on each charge and ordered him to make restitution of £8 15s. He was also ordered to take out a prohibition order.