PLEA FOR A CHANCE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 121, 8 June 1937, Page 10

PLEA FOR A CHANCE

Man Gaoled For Theft Of A Saw HIS 67TH. CONVICTION A strong plea to Oe given "the chance he had uever been given," was I made by William Adolphus Cunningj hani, of Napier, labourcr, and holder ; of 66 previous convictions, when he appeared before Mr. J. Miller, S.M., in the Napier Magistrate's Court yesterday and was convicted of the theft of a saw, the property of a person unknown. After pleading not guilty and eonducting a vigorous crossexamination of a detective, Cunningham was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Evidence was given by George Barden Barden, of Napier, cordial manufacturer, that the defendi.:it had tried to sell hiin a saw. He was sober at the time. Defendant: How long havo you known me? "Witness: About 30 years. And do you think T'd try to sell you stolen property "Well, you had the saw.'' Detective K. W. Mills detailed t.be arrest. of Cunningham, who had denied all knowledge of the saw. Defendant: Are you aware that you are on oath? Witness : Oh, yes. Aren't-you a bit mixed? — "Np." You said I was drunk? — "Yes." TVhy didn't you charge me with it if I was drunk? They don't take you up there as boarders. — "We were questioning you in connection with a theft. "We'll leave it at that,'' said. the defendant, and to the Bench he added : "I'm a bridge builder and a carpenter, and Pve had tools for the past 30 years on and otf. I've got a hammer and a plane, and the saw was mine and I should be able to do what I like with it." The Bench: You appear to be just at your old games, The Deteetive-Sergeant said that the defendant had 66 previous convictions. He carne out of gaol ooi Saturday and was arrested on Tuesday. His average period of liberty over the past iew years seemcd to be about two or three days. "I've never had a chance at all," said the defendant. "I've got a heart like anyono else. -Give me a bit of lenieney." When sentenced, he subsided, stili talking about being given a chance.