AN AGED THIEF

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 180, 17 August 1937, Page 8

AN AGED THIEF

Not Too Old for Crime at Ninety-one Twice declared an habitual criminal during a long period of crime, an Aus-trian-born nonogenarian appeared in the New Plymouth Police Court last week charged with a series of thefts at the Rangiatea Home for old people. "He says he is 96, but the records show he is 91 years old anl that he has a long criminal history, said Detec-tive-Sergeant E. C. Jarrold when Peter Gardschich admitted three charges of theft and was remanded in custody i'or a week while the Magistrate decides what is best to do with him. Beiug very deaf, Gardschich, a small grey-bearded man was taken from the dock and placed in the witness box. Even there questions had sometimes to be shouted twice before he comprehended them. "It is quite clear he ' -.nnot be .-eturned to the Rangiatea Home although the hospital authorities would like to do something for him, ' ' said Mr Jarrold. He had been attending the hospital every Monday for treatment. Mr. W. H. Wood ward, S.M.: Is there any evidence that his offences are due to senile decayf "Most criminals have a retiring age, but this man is remarkable," said the detective-sergeant. "He does tmcornmonly well for an old man. He is agile for his age and, apart from deafness, there does not seem to be much wrong with him. He would be better off in a home, but I understand he has been Spending money in drink." Gardschich fiaid he had nothing to say. "Is is true you have liad 10 years in goal in New Zealand?" aslced tho Magistrate. * ^ "1 suppose so, but it is more, I think," said the old man. "I liave been 22 years six months in gaol." "I shall remand him for a weelc in gaol for inquiries and consideration of what is best to be done with him," said Mr. Woodward. An order was made for the return of stolen propert^ recovered.