YOUNG MAN’S LAPSE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5183, 26 September 1927, Page 4

YOUNG MAN’S LAPSE.

FALLS TO TEMPTATION.

FAILURE TO RETURN CHEQUE.

The unusual story of a young man who was mistakenly twice paid one month’s salary, and who succumbed to the temptation of, keeping the second payment, was unfolded in the Thames Police Court, on Tuesday morning, when Ben Hawkins pleaded guilty to a charge, of stealing £lB 4s. the property of the Hauraki Plains County Council. Mr F. W. Platts, S.M., was on the Bench.

Sergeant McDonnell, in outlining the facts of the prosecution, stated that accused was employed by thq Hauraki Plains County Council during March and April, 1926. The usual practice was for Hawkins, to* receive his pay after the council meetings, but he went to the county office and received his March pay early in April from the county clerk. However, by some jnistake Hawkins was doubly paid for the month, his. pay for March (which he had already received) being sent to him by post, but he had failed to return the* cheque.

As far as, could be ascertained, Hawkins’ previous character had been good, apd he had admitted the theft when taxed by the police. “You have, unfortunately spoilt your record by falling to the temptation of keeping th© cheque,” remarked His Worship in committing Hawkins to probation for twelve months on condition that he repays the amount of the theft.