MAGISTRATE’S WARNING.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1927, Page 2

MAGISTRATE’S WARNING.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 6. Charged with converting three motor cars to his own use and with the theft oi goods, Aloysious George Murphy, aged 18, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, before Mr Mosely S.M. Accused was represented by Mr Tracy and pleaded guilty to a 7: the charges. The stolen goods comprised field glasses, two gramaphones, motor gloves, a motor helmet, electric torch, banjo and miscellaneous articles. Some or the goods had been in borrowed cars and others he had obtained by breaking into shops. Some of the thefts had been committed at Tiffiaru. The value iof the stolen goods was about £3O.

Chief Detective Lewis said that the owner of one of the borrowed cars had left his parked in Gloucester Street, and later discovered that it was missing. He found the car outside the Art Gallery and informed .Hie Police. •’ A watch was kept and accused came out of the hall and entered the car in company with some friends. Accused was arrested and the goods missing from the" other cars were found in his possession. They had connected him with the borrowing of the other two cars. It was not known how many other cars he had used. The Magistrate: This young man must either be taught self control or placed where he can’t be dangerous to the public. In my own opinion, the' removal of someone else’s car is theft and anyone who comes before me on such a charge will he dealt with as if it were a charge of theft. Accused was ordered to be detained at a Borstal institution for three years On the Timaru charges he was remanded to Timaru, and on the breaking and entering charge, committed (o the Snnrefne Coujt for sentence.