Judge's Comment On Criminals And Cars

Chronicle (Levin), 2 March 1948, Page 3

Judge's Comment On Criminals And Cars

GISBORNE, Mar. 1. 1 A sentence of three years \ liard labour was passed by Mr. Justice Fair ln the Supreme Court today on Douglas Wright, aged 37, labourer, of Auckland, who ivas eonvicted .of the theft of a safe eontaining approxlmately £900, from tlie Matawhero Hotel on December 28. Wright was- also declared an habitual eriminal and barred from obtainiilg a driver's lieence for lO^years. The Judge said Wright had a record of serious crime and in spite of sub: stantial sentences over the past ten years, had persisted in a life of* crime. He deseribed the latest crime as an impudent theft. Mr. Justice Fair regretted that he could uot include in the sentence permanent disqualification from owniug or operating a motor veliiele. "People such as you sliould only be able to travel in public vehicles and-not ln oue which might be used in the comniission of crimes, " he added. "The Court lias frequently made reeommeydations for an amendment of the law to allow Judges. to iinpose this disqualilication considered essential in dealing witli cases of your type in tliese days when a motor-car is one of the most potent factors enabling criminals^ to escape detection. " • » Other prisoners sentenced were Ralfdi William King, aged 43, jeweller, admitted to probation for three years for indecent assault. Paki Haami Jones, aged 37, Maori carpenter trainee- sentenced to six moiiths ' hard, laboui for b(Miii)- ill«ra.nv on nremises.