SERIES OF THEFTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17711, 15 May 1929, Page 7

SERIES OF THEFTS.

OHAUPO MAN GUILTY. APPROPRIATED MANY SUMS. GAOLED FOR THREE MONTHS. Sentence of three months’ imprisonment was imposed on Walter Leonard do Lacey,' aged 36, of Ohaupo, by Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., in the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court this morning. Fourteen charges of theft, involving £26 16s lid, were preferred against accused. . Tiie facts of the case, as outlined by Senior-Sergeant Sweeney, were that accused was employed as a vandriver and collector by Harold Ruben liorscroft, baker, of Ohaupo. From last December to May accused appropriated the sums of money set out in the charges and never accounted to his employer for the money. It was only through a customer interviewing Horscroft and disputing the payment of an account that the defalcations were discovered. Accused received £3 10s a week and his keep.

Constable Hooker, of Te Awamutu, told the Court that accused called at the police station and gave himself up. The constable then read a statement in which accused admitted the offences. He intended returning the money when he was aide. lie had never been in trouble before, and at present had no money to make restitution. He was married, but separated from his wife. A child in Auckland was being supported by him. His Worship: How did accused spend the money? Witness: Mostly 6n drink.

Accused pleaded guilty to all charges and elected to be dealt with summarily. “It is hard to find any mitigating circumstances,” said the .Magistrate, addressing accused. "Thefts from an employer are much more serious than thefts from other people, because an employer places trust and confidence in his employee. You have had responsibilities and have not respected them,” he added, imposing sentence.