Valueless Cheques.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1922, Page 3

Valueless Cheques.

SEVERAL SUMS OF MONEY OBTAINED. [by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Feb. 18. The issuing of several valueless cheques was the cause of John Nickolich appearing in the dock in the Magistrate’s Court before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M.

lie was confronted with tile following charges: On July 13,. 1921, ho obtained by means of a valueless cheque with intent to defraud; that on July 18 lie obtained from Alfred Jansen £l6 by means of a valueless cheque; that on July 20 be obtained from Ivan Snnko the sum of £lO by means of si valueless cheque; that on August 5, at Timaru, with intent to defraud Jeremiah J. O’Brien the sum of £2O by means of a valueless cheque, drawn on the Bank of Nfcw Zealand, Auckland.

Mr A. M. Cousins, who appeared for the accused, stated at the outset that a plea of guilty would he entered. Detective Kemp appeared for the police. Ivan Sanko, restaurant proprietor, 131 Cuba Street, said that in July last the accused was introduced to him. The accused said he was a farmer, and his farm was near Auckland, and that lie had plenty of money to His credit at the Bank of New Zealand, Auckland. The accused asked witness for £lO to enable him to go back to Auckland, and stated that he had lost money at tiie races. Tlio accused gave witness a cheque for £lO, and witness gave him £lO in cash. The cheque was paid in, but was returned unpaid. Witness had not received any of the £lO.

Alfred Jansen, restaurant keeper, 169 Cuba Street, said lie had known the accused for the past 12 months, lie called on witness in July last and asked witness to exchange cheques as lie wanted some ready cash. He stated that his financial position was good, that lie wanted the money temporarily to go to the races, and that if he bad any luck lie would return the money immediately. On July 15 witness gave him a cheque for £25, and on July 18 he gave him another cheque for £l6. On both dates the accused gave witness bis cheques for the respective amounts. The cheques were returned unpaid. Detective Sergeant Andrews said that, lie had interviewed the accused, who made a statement admitting his guilt. With respect to the Timaru ca.se the accused had asked that it should he dealt with here. The statement of tl»e complainant was then read to him, and the accused admitted that it was correct. The witness read the various statements made and signed by tlio accused. This closed the case for the prosecution. The accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Supremo Court tor sentence.