THIEF CAUGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1929, Page 3

THIEF CAUGHT

TRIES TO BRIBE CONSTABLE,

O (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, August 8

Robert Slade, who was caught recently with “jemmies,” gelignite, and skeleton keys faced a crowded Police Court to-day. The most complete burgling outfit ever seen in the city was heaped on the table in front of the bench. Slade was charged with being found in possession of house-breaking tools, and a long series of charges of breaking and entering. At the conclusion of evidence, Slade pleaded guilty to all the charges and was committed to ,tlie Supreme Court tor sentence. Constable Whitehead said that on July 21 lie was on duty at 'Hobson Street at 4.30 a.m., wlien he saw a man come out of tile doorway of a bootshop, and come down the opposite side of the street, finally turning into a lane, “ I called on li.im to stop ” said witness, “ but lie ran instead and I chased him. Running up Pitt Stree + he cliriibed over a picket fence where I followed and secured him., In answer to my inq iries as to his movements he gave most unsatisfactory replies. I searched him artd found a jemmy and torch, whereupon I placed him under arrest. . “ On,, the .way down, to the Police Station lie asked ine'liotv much it was worth to let him ; go. When he was. examined at the station. £770 10s Oijd was found in a money belt beneath his singlet. There were also two spanners, a bag of skeleton keys, a shanghai and lead pellets, a quantity of gelignite, ptftty, and a flask of whisky,” said witness. ’At the mention of whisky,. Slndo smiled 'for the only time while th ’ evidence was being heard. Detective Knight said that accused’s room was searched and a suit of clothes and overcoat were found, together with gelignite and a large skeleton key. Trousers with secret pockets were also found, together, with 28s in pennies and 7s lid in halfpennies.

“The shanghai and pellets were used for breaking windows alongside a lock,” said Chief Detective Hammond. “A black sock found in Slade’s possession was for wiping away finger prints. Putty was used when blowing , a safe and the big screy wrench was for tearing padlocks off.!’ Detective .Knight said accused had stated that he had been three years in Auckland, coming originally /from Australia and South Africa.

Slade pleaded guilty to all the charges and was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.