SOLDIER IN COURT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 8

SOLDIER IN COURT

CONVERSION OF CAR UNUSUAL COURSE TAKEN COMMANDING OFFICER'S PLEA “I am going to adopt an unusual course in this case. Accused will be discharged under the Offenders Probation Act, 1920,” said Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M., in the Magistrate’* Court, Hamilton, today when a former seaman, who is now serving as a soldier in the Hopu Hopu Camp, appeared on a charge of converting a car valued at £145 at Auckland on September 2S. “This does not mean that the case has been dismissed, but no conviction will be recorded. However, that is not to be taken by other men as a indication that the army is a refuge following offences. Accused's name will be suppressed.” Accused, who appeared in Court in uniform, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Constable P. Clemence, of Ngaruawahia, said that two other men were concerned in the offence and were to be dealt with in Auckland today. Accused joined a man named Jones and another named Hodgins in Auckland and went to Jones’ house to tea. There they decided to rob a North Auckland post office. They had no car, but took one which was standing in the street. They removed the number plates and set out for the north. At Waiwera the car ran into a bank and the journey could not be continued. The men replaced the number plates, but threw away the ignition key and a suitcase valued at £2. They walked back to Auckland. Accused was now in camp at Hopu Hopu. A Good Soldier “This man has been under my command since the first mobilisation, and his work as a soldier leaves nothing to be desired," said accused’s commanding officer. “In the things that might be ahead of us, he is the sort of man I would like to have with me. He has been a good soldier and I would ask that his name be suppressed.” The Magistrate to the accused: * How did you get mixed up with this crowd? Accused: I was unemployed at the time and was waiting for a ship. I met the men in the street. The Magistrate: Your trouble seems to have been that you got in with the wrong crowd. Accused was ordered to make restitution of £5.