“DESPICABLE THEFT”

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22245, 14 January 1944, Page 2

“DESPICABLE THEFT”

AMERICAN AS VICTIM HOSPITALITY ABUSED “This is a most despiqable theft,” said Senior-Sergeant A. G. McHugh in the Hamilton Police Court today when Alfred Sydney Buckley, labourer, of Pukeroro, pleaded guilty of the theft of a camera, camera case, three films and two packets of cigarettes, of a total value of £6 18s sd, the property of an American serviceman, at Hamilton on January 13. Messrs J. H. Gittos and M. M. Shaw, J.’sP., presided. Senior-Sergeant McHugh said that the American and Buckley were drinking in the bar of a hotel when the former happened to mention in the course of conversation the name of the boarding-house at which he was staying. Later the accused went there, removing the camera and other articles from the American’s room in his absence. After' the American discovered his loss he returned to the hotel where he .recognised accused. Buckley had no need to steal as he was in good employment. Constable J. T. Mills gave evidence of interviewing accused in the hotel and of finding the stolen goods in his possession. “We must take j. serious view of the offence,” said Mr Gittos, in referring to the fact that the accused had taken mean advantage of the American’s hospitality. Buckley could consider himself lucky in receiving only three months’ imprisonment, as he had quite a lengthy record.