Salutory Sentence For Dishonest Collector

Chronicle (Levin), 2 November 1948, Page 7

Salutory Sentence For Dishonest Collector

Press AssociatiorJ

(Per

AUCKLAND, Nov. 1. Cauglit dipping into her collection box during a city street collection for orplians on October 22, Ruby Cook, aged 54, lirst denied taking the money but later admitted stealihg £6 5s 3d. She had £16 2s 9d m her possession but said the rest 'of the money was hers. In the Police Court today the police said a business man went to put hal'f a crown in Cook's collection box in t^ueen Street but lound he- could not beeause of the angle at which the box was held. Three hours later he return ed and saw Cook put a linger over the slot in the bax and tlien put her hand in a pocket. II e advised a police con stable who subseuuently saw Cook shake the box, remove coins and pul them in her pocket. The police said accused had been collecting for charities for many years. 4 Defending counsel asked for leniency 011 the ground of ill- health. Piemarking that accused probably Jiaci a snivelling repentance beeause she had been caught, Mr. F. H. L'evien, S.M., said he would impose a penalty that would deter others like-minded. Cook was admitted to probati'on for two years condit.ional on refraining from participating in street colleetions and contributing £25 to the v orphanage council within two months.