STOLE FROM THE Y.M.C.A.

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 50, 23 November 1926, Page 7

STOLE FROM THE Y.M.C.A.

YOUNG MAN GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE.

“This man was employed at the electric power works,. Mangahao. where there is a branch of the Y.M.C.A. On one occasion when he entered tho office of the secretary, tho latter was away, so he took .£l3. When interviewed by tho police he stated that he and a companion stole tho money and shared it between them. The companion, however, denies the allegation, and we have no evidence to show he was concerned with the theft at all.” This statement was made by Chief Detective Ward in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday when referring to Leonard John Cookson, a labourer (aged 27), who admitted stealing the sum of money mentioned from the Y.M.C.A. at Mangahao. Mr. Ward also said that with the exception of having been sent to the Industrial School when 13 years of age there was nothing else known against accused. “I think this is an isolated case, remarked Mr. T. P. Mills, the Probation Officer, who suggested that a chance be given Cookson. The Magistrate (Mr. J. H. Salmon), in admitting accused to probation for twelve months, said he would overlook the fact that Cookson had been sent to the Industrial School when a youth. He would, however, order accused to make full restitution of the money stolen in terms required by the Probation Officer.