SHOP-LIFTING.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14972, 20 May 1914, Page 4

SHOP-LIFTING.

MARRIED WOMAN IX COURT

Susan Christina Holbs. aged twenty-r.-.na years, appeared on three charges or theft—(l) That on May 18th,' at Christ-church, she stole an overcoatvalued at £2 9s 6d. the property of J. Bnllantyne and Co: (2) that on May 18th, at Christehiirfih, ihs ht-010 a

uly'.s roar, valued at £f) 9s. tho property of tho D.1.C.; (3) that during the last three- months she stole a lady's fur-lined coat, valued at £9 9s. tho property of J. and Co. Tho accused pleaded guilty to the first charge, but said .she had uot stolen one of tho other coats. • When a remand had boon granted, she subsequently amended her pica to guilty on all tho charges. f-hief-Deteetivt-> Bishop said that when arrested the woman wr.s under tho influence, of liquor. He Miggcsied that a prohibition order would me<jv her ca.se.

The Magistrate: She deserves to f-e made an example of. How did she got away with the coats?" The Chicl'-Dtftcctive: Just slung: them across her arm. and walked out.

The Magistrate: Is there much of this soi't of thing coinp on ? The C'hief-Dotective: Ye?, sir! From time to time, you hare these ca&es before you. ■ » Tho Magistrate: It's a most impudent theft. Upon my mind. I don't know what these women are thinkinc about. I don't know whether it\s love of finery, tho desiro to hfivfl -a mat liett«r than otlier women of <* higher station than themselves, or iust wanting that doesn't belons to them.

To the woman 'the Magistrate .said: "You have brought disgrace upon your husband, upon yourself, and upon your children!" „. , A fine of 40s was inflicted on each charge, in default one month's imprisonment. ~,