MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 279, 21 August 1919, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THEFT OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AN ESCAPEE FROM CUSTODY The theft on April 1 last of .£125 worth of musical instruments from tho_ premises of Oscar Hull-Brown. 157 Vivian Street, was admitted by Dr.rcy Robert M'Devitt. who appeared before Mr. \V. 0. Rithleli, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yestorday.

Chief-Detective Boddam said that between V p.m. and 11 p.m. on April 1 the shop of 3lf. Ilull-Brtiwii ill Vivian Street was broken into, and a numlrfr of musical instruments wore stolen. Inquiries were made by Deteet.ive-Sorgei'.iit Andrews, and the stolen property was traced to the possession of Jt'Devitt, a warrant for whose arrest was issued on April 7. M'Devitt was arrested by the Tanmarunui police on April 26, but ho escaped from his escort on the Tauuiarunui Railway Station, .iust before the departure of the train for Wellington. _ Evading arrest until August 9, M'Devitt was eventually Apprehended in the Taumarunui police district by Constable Fleming, and was remanded to Wellington.

Evidence of identification of the stolen goods, which comprisod « trombone, three cornets, six violins, one viola, four flutes, 14 piccolo.?, one oboe, two clarinets, and six bows, was given by Mr. Hull-Brown, who said that his premises had been entered by a back window.

After formal evidence had been given by Detective-Sergeant Andrews, accused, was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence. The instruments were ordered to bo returned to the owner.

A youth pleaded guilty to stealing a number of articles valufd at .£3 3s. 9(1., including razors, razor eirops, Mooth brushes, fishing lines, hair clippers, knives, pistol cans, a. bridle, whip thong, hair oil. playing cards, a mouth organ, box of tissue papers, bathing oap. wallet, dog chain, cigarette pouch, chewing gum, shampoo powder, and aloak. Defendant wnsordored to come up for «»nter?e -vlien railed on within twelve months, during which time lie is to be under the supervision of l-he probation officer.

Donald M'Donald was convicted ai'd discharypd for drunkenness, and fined .£3, in default seven days' detention, for the breach of a prohibition order.