ROBBERY IN SHOP

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24899, 12 June 1946, Page 3

ROBBERY IN SHOP

THREE YOUTHS SENTENCED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 11. “We want no gunmen criminals in New Zealand or gangsters threatening the lives of honest members of the community. Where such crimes occur substantial punishment must be inflicted, and if this type of crime increases the sentences imposed on offenders will be progressively increased,” said Mr Justice Fair in the Supreme Court, sentencing three youths who had pleaded guilty to robbery at the De Luxe Confectionery in High street, Lower Hutt. Michael David Marsh, aged 18, a labourer, who entered the shop and held up the proprietress, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour, to be followed by 12 months' reformative detention; John Muilany, aged 21, a farm labourer, was sentenced to two years’ reformative detention: and Dennis Arnold Cyril Priestly, aged 19, a labourer, was sentenced to be detained in a Borstal institution for two years. His Honour said he felt no doubt that Marsh, although only 18, inspired the robbery. His conduct during the last five months showed that he was older than his years and in that period he had led a shiftless, unsettled life. It appeared from his general character and conduct that he was starting on the path of crime. Muilany and Priestly were in a different category, but their background was no excuse for crime.