THEFT AS A SERVANT

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23971, 11 June 1943, Page 7

THEFT AS A SERVANT

PROBATION FOR POWER BOARD EMPLOYEE (P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 10. Karl Donald Ifwersen, aged 50, who had admitted the theft as a servant of £66 from the Auckland Power Board, was admitted to probation by Mr Justice Fair to-day for three years, with a condition that, he accept work outside the city, and make restitution of £1 weekly, and he must refrain from entering hotels. “He had a notable career as a footballer, and was well thought of by his comrades. He has a generous disposition, and was feted and banqueted: but when his athletic career finished he found it difficult to settle down seriously to earn a living," said his counsel, Mr W. King, in a plea for leniency. Mr King said accused had played until 38 years old, and then was a coach for many years. His prowess and popularity had led him Into an extravagant way of living, which led to difficulties when his career in sport ended. When employed as a meter reader by the power board, he took money, but intended to make restitution, and he gave every assistance in clearing up the records. Two men had offered to guarantee restitution of the money, and he had an opportunity to take up work outside the city. His Honour said that normally probation was not allowable for theft as a servant. Prisoner was already on probation for obtaining credit without disclosing that he was a bankrupt, and though he intended to make repayment, he was not in circumstances where he could reasonably expect to do so.