GUILTY OF THEFT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 76, 20 May 1946, Page 5

GUILTY OF THEFT

EX-SERVICEMAN’S LAPSE

UNABLE TO SETTLE DOWN “This is a somewhat sad case” said Sergeant Farrell when prosecuting Victor Herbert Miller, who appeared before Messrs. G. Brabant and J. King, J.Ps., on a charge of theft last Friday afternoon. “It is the case of a young man who once held a responsible Government position, and has five years of Avar service to his credit. Unfortunately he is unable to settle down and has got into bad company, where drink has been his downfall.

Accused who pleaded guilty, was charged with having stolen the sum of £l3, and a suit valued at £6, from the home of Henry Anderson on May 14 last. According to the police, he came from Rotorua on the day in question and drank heavily at Te Teko, moving on then to Edgecumbe where he intended visiting some friends. He had mistaken the directions given him and found himself at the wrong house which he entered. There was no one home and he had helped himself to the suit, in the pocket of which was the money. Accused had been recognised at Rotorua, where the money was recovered and later the suit. Unfortunately -he had had three previous convictions within the comparatively short time he had returned, home from overseas.

Sergeant Farrell added that Miller had attended University since his return under the Rehabilitation Scheme, but could not settle down as he had prior to the war. He came from a respectable family and had asked for another chance to try and pull himself together.

The Bench demurred at accused’s list, observing that under all the circumstances it would be desirable to inflict a fine and avoid a gaol tertn. Was accused in a position to meet a fine?

Accused said he had approximately £l5O in gratuity money coming to him and could arrange to meet a fine if the court would give him that chance.

A fine of £7 10/- was imposed, to be met within three days, or alternatively six weeks’ imprisonment.