THEFT FROM A HOUSE

Evening Star, Issue 19793, 17 February 1928, Page 2

THEFT FROM A HOUSE

HUSBAND AND WIFE CHARGED Husband and wife, John Robertson Melvin and Janet May Melvin, stood in the dock at the Police Court this morning charged with stealing linen and Doulton ware valued at £lO, the property of Edgar Duncan. The female accused was also charged with attempting to commit suicide, to which she pleaded guilty, and both pleaded guilty to the theft charge. Mr 0. B. Barrowclough represented the accused. Chief-detective Cameron said that some months ago the accused rented a house at St. Clair, belonging to Mr Duncan, at £2 a week. They stayed there some time and were finally ejected when they were about £3O in arrears. A good deal of linen and Doulton ware belonging to the owner had been locked away in a cupboard, which the accused had broken open. Later the ware was found in their possession in a room they occupied in the town. One of the Doulton vases had been broken. The male accused had been before the court for drunkenness, and though he had held a good position he seemed to be dwindling down through drink, and for some time had been out of employment. A few months ago the female accused came under the notice of the police regarding a complaint of false pretences. She had ordered goods over the telephone in another person’s name, but as tlie supplier of the goods was reticent in the matter no charge was preferred.

“ When the detectives took charge of the goods,” said tho Chief Detective, “ the female accused went to a drawer and took out a bottle of tablets marked “Poison,” hurriedly swallowing three.” She was treated by a doctor and was soon all right. Mr Barrowclough said that Melvin had made an effort to pull himself together, but he had been out of work.

The Magistrate (Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.): “What'•explanation has been made for the accused not paying the rent, and then adding insult to injury by stealing?” Mr Barrowclough said the male accused had been out of work and the husband and wife were practically destitute at present. The male accused was convicted and admitted to probation for a term of three years, restitution to the value of the vase to be made within fourteen days, and the rent due (£3O) for the premises to he paid during the three years, on such terms as tho Probation Officer directed. The female accused was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within two years on the charge of theft, and on the attempted suicide charge she was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within twelve months. She was also ordered to pay medical expenses within fourteen days. An application for suppression of the names was refused.