ALLEGED THEFT.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18641, 20 May 1932, Page 8

ALLEGED THEFT.

CONSTABLE’S COAT TAKEN. _ Before Messrs W. T. Osborne and W. Morrice, J’s.P., at Morrlnsville, a young man whose name was ordered to be suppressed, was charged with stealing an overcoat and silk scarf, the property of Constable Hodges, valued at £5 12s Gel. Constable Hodges said that he attended the dance at Patetonga on Wednesday night and left his overcoat and silk scarf in his car outside the hall. On going out a little later he found that the coat and scarf had been taken. He discovered his property in the rack of a bus. He followed the bus until It reached Morrinsville, i\h°re he saw the accused get out, wearing his coat. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, said he had had several drinks before going to the dance and several more when he got there and did not quits know what he was doing. He did not intend to steal the things. Accused was severely reprimanded - by the Bench, but as there was some doubt as to his intentions, he was given the benefit of the doubt. The case was dismissed and the name sup- . pressed.