YOUTHS ON 20 CHARGES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29510, 11 May 1961, Page 6

YOUTHS ON 20 CHARGES

“Escapade Of Crime”

(N Z Press Association) ROTORUA, May 10

Both accused had embarked on a planned escapade of crime, said Mr G. J. Donne, S.M., in the Rotorua Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon when imposing sentence on Raymond Arthur Dent and Huia Matekino George Hansen. Dent, aged 17. and Hansen, aged 25. painters, of Tokoroa, appeared for sentence on more than 20 charges involving shop and countinghouse breaking, theft, mischief, and conversion. The pair had earlier pleaded guilty to the offences, committed at Rotorua, Cambridge. and Taupo, between April 9 and April 24, and Mr Donne sent Dent to Borstal and Hansen to a term of corrective training, with a maximum of three years.

Mr R. A, Potter, for both prisoners, submitted in respect of them both that a period of probation with very strict terms would be a lesser evil than Borstal or prison.

Dent, said Mr Donne, was given every opportunity by the Child Welfare Department and by foster parents, but he had thrown all his chances away. Of Hansen, Mr Donne said it was possible that he could be reformed and it was for that reason he was being sentenced to corrective training.