CONVERTING A CAR

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1930, Page 7

CONVERTING A CAR

TWO HEAVY SENTENCES

AUCKLAND, April d. Tlio story of another “ converted ” motor-car was unravelled at the Police Court this morning when L. Brandon t'.cins, si,.j u lave-ovy-six years, a farmer, and r J Lomas John Higgins, aged forty-seven years, a butcher, were

charged with having converted to their own use a motor-wur valued at aj2so belonging to George Wellesley Spencer. There was a further charge against Collins having driven without a license. Mr Dickson pleaded guiil-y for Collins and not guilty for .Higgins.

Senior-Sergeant O’Grady told how the two men wore seen yesterday driving the car from where it was parked in Hobson street. Two of 'Spencers employees gave chase on a motor-cycle and side-car. Eventually the car was shopped and a policeman who was called arrested Collins. The other man got away, hut he was arrested subsequently. Each made a statement blaming the other.

Mr Dickson suggested that Collins was responsible for the escapade, as Higgins could not drive a car, Higgins is a returned soldier with a wooden leg and he was in receipt of a pension.

Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M. : They are simply a. p-dr r-f drank*.”

The Magistrate sentenced Collins to three months’ on the charge of converting the car and pr] conviction on the charge of driving without a license. Higgins was given the option ol going to Rotoroa for twelve months or to prison for three months. He chose the island.