ANOTHER CHANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 226, 23 September 1940, Page 4

ANOTHER CHANCE.

GIVEN TO YOUTH. TWO YEARS' PROBATION. "Despite the seriousness of these offences Jam going to give you another chance ami admit you to probation for two years,; Just because you wanted to have a good time you even stole. If there is any further dishonesty or misbehaviour on your part you can be brought before the Court on these charges, when you will certainly be severely punished."

This statement was made by Mr. J. Morling, S.M.. to Warwick Thomas Bradford, a clerk of 18. when he appeared in the Police Court this morning and pleaded guilty to charges of stealing £5, a cheque for £10 and £1 in money, and obtaining the sums of £8 3/10 and £4 10/(5. and clothing valued at £1 16/2, by means of valueless cheques.

Detective-Sergeant Nalder, who prosecuted, said Bradford started work in the dispatch department of a brewery firm last April. On July 31 Bradford went home from work with influenza, but on finding no one at home he left in a rental car which he had previously hired, and went to Dargaville, where the car was damaged. He then went further north and committed the other offences. The damage to the car, excess mileage travelled and benzine amounted to £24 0/8, which Bradford owed the rental firm.

"While at the brewery firm Bradford said he had failed to account for about £25 to his employers, but the brewery lias not made any complaint," added Mr. Nalder. "The firm considers the shortages are nearer £50. However, there is no charge preferred against Bradford in connection with this matter. The £5 which he stole at Russell was found in his possession and returned to the owner. The sum of £3 13/6 found in his possession he says was part of the proceeds of his offences."

Appearing for the accused, Mr. Craig described the case as a most distressing one, for Bradford had not been in trouble before. To obtain money for rental cars Bradford commenced the defalcations from the brewery firm. If he had gone back and told his employers what he had done everything would have been all right, but instead he took fright and drove north in a rental car where he committed the foolish offences. Already Bradford had spent seven days in custody. This had been a very severe lesson to him.

The magistrate made it a condition of probation that Bradford is to make restitution of £20 10/10. The money found in his possession is to be returned.