MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2338, 21 December 1914, Page 9

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Mr. D. G. 'A'. Cooper, S.M., presided over a sitting of the Magistrate's Court oa Saturday morning. Florence Grace Ward, an old offender for theft, was charged with stealing a ladies' handbag valued at 495. pel., the property of Kirkcaldie and Stains. Site nad heen arrested by Detective Dempsey the previous day, and has had eignt previous convictions .for thefts from various city establishments. Mr. P. W. Jackson, who appeared for the accused, in asking for leniency,said that in view of his client's previous record he recognised that the task was a particularly thankless one. Accused's esse was apparently one of mania for theft, and once she had had a "lass of liquor it went to her head, and driving all sense of decenoy out of. hor mind made her steal. "If you give lier five years," said Mr. Jackson, "she vrill only come out and steal again. If you fine her " The Magistrate: "Yes, it's hard to know what to do with her." Accused was sent to gaol for a month. For drunkenness, Patrick Mnlioriey was sentenced to one month's gaol, and a prohibition order issued against him. James M'Michael was fined 405., or seven days' imprisonment, while Adolph Donaldson.and, James O'Neil were each fined 10s., or hours'; imprisonment. Five first offenders were dealt with. A prohibition order was taken out against William Tyacli, charged with excessive drinking.