STOLE FROM SHOP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 36, 4 June 1947, Page 5

STOLE FROM SHOP

MAN SENT TO PRISON Matu Fraser, who pleaded guilty in the Whakatane . Magistrate’s Court yesterday before Mr E. L. Walton, S.M., to a charge of stealing goods valued at £8 6s 6d from the shop of A. G. Allan, was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. Sergeant Farrell stated that on May 28 Fraser had called at the shop to get a watch that was being repaired, and while Mr Allan was in the back of the shop accused had stolen a wristlet watch, a clock, a pack of cards and a powder puff. The police had recovered the stolen articles. “Drink seems to be the cause of his trouble,” said Sergeant Farrell. “He is a good worker but has a fairly long record of previous convictions.”

Asked if he had anything to say, Fraser-said he was an excessive drinker, but wished to take out a prohibition order and to be given another chance. He had a good job with the P.W.D.

The Magistrate: Since 1937 you have been before the court consistently. Accused: If I am given a chance I will settle down. I have a wife and family. . The Magistrate: I expect that story has been told often enough. This is a case of a man who by fraud was enabled to. steal from a shopkeeper. He is a confirmed thief and has been before the court repeatedly on charges of theft. It is not a case of giving him another chance.