THEFT OF AN OVERCOAT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4477, 9 October 1922, Page 2

THEFT OF AN OVERCOAT

AN AUSTRALIAN IN TROUBLEAt the Court this morning, before Messrs J- Tetley and W. Marshall, J’s.P., Richard Smithers was charge! with the theft of a man’s woollen overcoat, valued at £3, on the 6th inst. Constable McClinchy appeared for the prosecution, and stated that the accused had been to Thames with some mates of his from the stop .bank works, and they were all drinking freely. On the return .train journey to Paeroa accused picked up the overcoat (produced) and put it in the bag of a Hindu who was working witnhim on the stop-bank. On arrival at their huts in the evening accused opened the Hindu’s bag and took therefrom the overcoat. The Hindu was very perturbed over the incident, and reported the matter to witness, who proceeded to the stpp-bank and arrested accused, who was then, wearing the overcoat and .admitted he had stolen it whilst under the influence of liquor. The police report showed that accused had been previously convicted but during the four months he had been about this district he had conducted himself satisfactorilyMr J. F- Montague, who appeared for tihe defence, said the accused intended to plead guilty, and in asking for leniency Mr Montague asked the Bench to regard the act as an outcome of a drinking bout and not as a mean, deliberate theft. The accused had a four years’ active service record, leaving with the Australian Main Body. Four of his brothers had been killed on service. The post office savings bank book of the accused disclosed a substantial credit balance, and there was absolutely no 'need for him to steal a coat. The mother of the accused was seriously Hi in Melbourne, and if the Bench would fine accused it would be sufficient punishment under the circumstances, and he would then be able to carry out his original intention of leaving New Zealand by the Niagara on Friday. The Bench inflicted a fine of £4, with costs 10s 6d.