THE PRISONER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1524, 21 August 1912, Page 4

THE PRISONER.

NOVEL REQUEST TO JUDGE. ' (By Teleeraph.—Press Association.) Auckland, August 20. Convicted on charges of having stolon from tho hotel premises of J. J. I'nßni the amount of A 5 10s. and a number of cuius, and also an amount of jewellery and £'i 10s. in casli from the hotel premises of Thomas l.oughnan, Robert Ixmg appeared for sentence before Judge Cooper at the Supreme Court to-day, Accused's record showed that he had n long list of convictions for theft against him, the offences having been committed in various parts of the Dominion and Commonwealth. llis Honour stated that, in the interests of the public at : large, accused must bo detluned for a lone period, 110 would bo sentenced to three years' imprisonment willi hard labour and to ten years' reformative) treatment. "1 did lliinlc of declaring you an habitual criminal," said his Honour, "and technically I have power to do so." Accused: "I prefer to be declared an habitual, your Honour. I understand (hat (hero is, no gratuity attached to the, reformative treatment." His Honour: "Very well, at your own request 1 will sentence you to three years' imprisonment, and declaro you an habitual criminal. It is the First iimo that such a request has ever beei) made lo nie."