THEFT FROM RESIDENCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4961, 12 April 1926, Page 2

THEFT FROM RESIDENCE

YOUTH’S SYSTEMATIC VISITS.

CAUGHT IN A TRAP.

A Pa.eroa youth, aged 17 years, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court this morning with the theft of various sums of money totalling £6 from tlie residence of Father Dunphy on rundry dates. Accused pleaded guilty and electer to be dealt with summarily.

Sergeant, McLean, who conducted the. case on behalf of the police, stated that no evidence would be brought on the indictable offence of being found on premises with the intent to commit a crime. The various sums stolen totalled £6, and in addition a watch had been taken. - Accused was tlie son of respectable parents, ii t nd he had no reason for committing theft. The habits of the priest l were known to the. lad, who had taken advantage of his absence to ransack the house. Tn consequence of complaints Constable McClinchy had laid in wait and had caught the youth in the act. Constable McClinchy gave the accused a good character, and said that he was the son of respectable parents., but apparently ha.d not been kept under proper supervision. His Worship said that the thefts were particularly meap and despicable ones;. Taking into consideration the fact that accused was only 17 years old, and .that this: was his, first offence, he would be given the benefit of the First. Offenders Act and convicted on both charges, admitted to probation for three years, and ordered to make restitution.