THEFT OF TEA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2124, 5 July 1907, Page 3

THEFT OF TEA.

James Robert Correll was charged at the Police Court yesterday uiorn--ng with stealing one half-pound packet of tea, valued at lOd, tho proper ty of Frederick McKenzie. “1 don’t remember anything about it," he said. F. McKenzie, manager of tile Cooperative Store, stated that between 1 and o o’clock on Wednesday, accused called at the shop and said lie wished to give a big order. He asked co see Mr. Sigioy (bookseller next door) first. At tho time ho was standing at the counter. Witness

went outside tho door and pointed out Sigley’s shop. About 15 or 20 minutes later accused came back and

pvitness was in his office. Complainant’s son was serving a lady at the counter, and lie saw him watching die lad, and when tho latter turned his back be put the tea in his pocket. Witness saw this from tho office. Went out and stood betwoen him and die door, and charged him with stealing it. Accused said he was going to pay for it. Witness said that if ho wanted anything lie would get it foi him—it was not to be taken. Watched accused and communicated witli the police. The half-pound packer produced was similar' to the one stolen —it was valued at tenpence. When given the opportuity to question witness, ho deluged him with his queries, “Where did I take tho tea to?” “Did I take it outside?” “Was I drunk?” “You smelt strongly of drink,” replied witness. Accused rambled on to the effect that ho did not remember anything about it; he wanted to go to Sigley’s shop.

Constable Irwin stated that h 0 received instructions to proceed to the Co-operative Store, and from what complainant said he charged accused with the theft- of the half-pound of tea. Ho said ho took it with tho intention of paying for it. The attempt to arrest was resisted. The constable was also bombarded with questions. “Had I the tea?” “No, replied the witness. “It is not suggested that you had,” interposed His Worship. “Where was I? How was I?” “You were in Attwood’s shop.” “Oh! I don’t know where ship cut him short. Making a statement in his own defence lie pleaded his lapse of memory. The Sergeant stated there were two previous convictions in one hearing on the Bth November last for theft. He was then sentenced to three months on each charge. , His Worship remarked that evidently accused was a man addicted to drink, and was then unable to keep his hands off people’s property. He was sentenced to 14 days’ hard labor.

A prohibition order was issued against accused at his own request.