BANK HOLD-UP

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1933, Page 6

BANK HOLD-UP

YOUTH GETS TERM AT BORSTAL. “THEATRICAL, HOPELESS i’GT.” (per Press Association — Copyright.) & WELLINGTON, September 15. Four years’ borstal was the sentence imposed by ilihe \;hief Justice (Sir Michael Alyers), on William Murn MacDonald, aged 19, who caused a sensation at Palmerston North cm August 11 ; holding up a bank teller, and who also appeared for sentence for other offences at Palmerston and Masterton. For the prisoner, Mr O’Leary said it wus realised that, because of the seriousness of the offences, probation or extreme leniency was out of the question, but he pointed out that M&cDon-ald had always been highly strung, and •somewhat, reckless in .spirit,, and had r.n exaggerated idea of his capabilities. With the intense desire to get away from New Zealand «nd adopt living, his temperament was such' as to lead him easily into the course he took—a' career of dishonesty culminatin'.' in a theatrical and hopeless ,action in the bank. His (Honour commented on certain extraordinary features of the c-ase, and referred to the necessity of imposing a sentence which would be a deterrent to other youths. It might be that prisoner’s conduct- called, .juther, for treatment in a different k.ind of. institution., but there -wag.. no evidence -to -justify him .-.'acting oti that assumption. He would' be kept under observation and. the, authorities, would act as appeared necessary. Patrick O’Keefe, a" painter, aged 33. for breaking and entering, and theft, Vans to six months' /hard, to be followed by twelve months’ reformative. William Henry 'Homes, dor theft from a dwelling, received a similar sentence.