THEFT OF AN AUTOMATIC PISTOL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 187, 27 April 1918, Page 2

THEFT OF AN AUTOMATIC PISTOL

In Iho Magistrate's Court yeslerdav, beiforo Air. S. E. M'Carthy, 'S.M., Albert 1 Kennedy Barrett was charged that on April 21 lie did steal an automatic pistol valued at. 45, the property of John Brown, and Otto Benjamin Kuch, for whom Mr. H. V. O'Leat'y appeared, was charged with receiving a pistol from Bar- . rett knowing the same to have been j dishonestly obtained. Both accused pleaded guilty. Inspector Marsack staled that Barrett was :i cripple, only able to do work at theatres at nights. He told Kuch that there, was an automatic, pistol at the "Hat Box" in Manners Street. Knelt said ho was anxious to get hold, of a revolver, as being an alien, lie could not! get a permit to buy one. Both accused i had never previously been before the Court. Mr. O'Leary said Kuch was just twenty years of age. Ho was born in New Zea- : land, lived here all his life, and had i done at least six months' war service at the forts. Although of alien parcntago j he was considered a reservist by tho an- I thorities, and in due course will be re-1 (|iiired to go into camp if medically fit. j He contended that both men, not having I been previously before tlio Court, shown be dealt with as first offenders. His Worship concurred, and both defendants were convicted and ordered to conic up for sentonco when called upon.