THIEVING ON A BIG SCALE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1920, Page 2

THIEVING ON A BIG SCALE

’SEVENTEEN LADS BEFORE THE COURT.

WELLINGTON, December 3

Seventeen lads, hailing from Wellington South, appeared in the Magistrate's Court to-day to answer about sixty charges of theft of varying degrees, a good many being indictable. The youths concerned, with the number of charges against each, were as follows: John Wiljinm Compton, 25 charges; Roy George Cudley, 22; Leo Francis McLaughlin, 15; Alfred Frank Tyree, 14; George Charles William (Smith, 13; John Joseph Ash, 12; William Douglas 10; Clifford Wilmot Ross and Kenneth W. Costello, 6 each ; Albert George Bennett, 5; George Rolfe, 4; Thomas McLaughlin, 3; John W. F. Jopson, George A. R,. Irving, Claude Miles, Petfey Edward Hanson, and James Campbell, 1 each. The ages of the lads range from lti to 20 years. They carried out ; hcir depredations, sometimes in pairs; sometimes three were together, and aga u five of them operated. They were apparently not particular whether it was a church, whare, shop, or warehouse, that they invaded for. booty.. All Hie lads pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The following were committed to the Supreme Court for sentence: John E. W. Compton, Clifford W. Ross, Alfrel F. Tyree, Iv. W. Costello, John J. Ash, William Douglas, George C: W. Smith, Leo F. McLaughlin, Thomas McLaughlin, Roy G. Cudby, and Albert G. Rennett. James Campbell, who was convicted of one offence, was given a good character by Chief-Detective Ward, and he was discharged. Hanson was terteneed tQ&one month’s imprisonment, with a recommendation that he be transferred to Weraron. George Rolfe, -J. W. Jopson, G. A. R. Irving, and Clalide Miles, were remanded till tomorrow for sentence.