THEFT CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1930, Page 5

THEFT CHARGE

GREYMOUTH, Jan. 28. At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday Frank Jack, aged 33, pleaded guilty to the theft 'at' Moana on January 21, of liquor'Valued at £2 17s, and a pint glass, the property of Lawrence Foster Martin, licensee of the Moana Hotel. Accused also admitted wilfully damaging the latch and lock, to the amount- of 10s, on the door of the Moana Hall, which is being used as a temporary bar, the hotel having been recently destroyed by fire. Detective H. C. Murcli stated that; accused had consumed five or sixbottles of the stolen beer, to the value of 6s Bd, the remainder being re- ■; covered. Mr W. J. Joyce, on behalf of ac-, cused, said that he had resided rin the district for a. number of > yeafo,, and came of a very respectable, f9%-. ily. For some time past he periodic-; ally went out on drinking bouts. Counsel asked the court to deal'.leniently with Jack, and extend to Kim the terms of probation. A prohibition order could also be issued against him. i;

The Magistrate convicted Jack- and ordered him to come up for sentence if called upon within twelve months. Accused was also ordered to take out a prohibition order, and to pay 6s 8d to the owner of the- liquor. On the other charge, Jack was convicted and ordered to pay .10s, ... the., amount of the damage to the hall. An account for 10s in connection with car hire is also to be paid by accused. ' George Morrow pleaded guilty to the theft at Bell Hill on January 9, of a pair of boots and a razor; strop, valued at £1 16s 6d, the property of James Diamond. The evidence was;; heard previously at Ahaura, accused being remanded to .Greymouth. The Senior-Sergeant stated that/ there were no previous convictions against accused. The articles bad been recovered, but expenses totalling £1 5s had been incurred. Accused was convicted and ordered: to come up for' sentence if within twelve mouths', aiid to pay the expenses. '