ALLEGED IMPOSTER.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 25 October 1917, Page 3

ALLEGED IMPOSTER.

—• CHARGE OF STEALING A COW.

David Carter, the alleged imposter,

with many aliases, was charged at the Magistrate's Court, Feilding, yesterday, with stealing a cow from W. H. Brewster.

Sergeant Cahill explained there were several other charges against Carter, including the theft of a cow from Mr Mayhew, of Makino.

W. 11. Brewster gave evidence that the accused had been in his employ about three months, tending 17 cows. He had no interest in any of these cows. His wages were 50s a week and "find himself." On October IS Mr Hall and Mr Brown went to witness' house and Hall said he had bought two cows, one of which he thought was of

Brewster's herd, and showed the re ;

ceipt for payment. It was for £12, and signed Alex Liddlc. That was the name accused held whilst in witness' employ. Acoased had no authority to sell the cow. The animal was valued at £12. Witness missed accused in the evening. Accused had no questions to ask. William Hall gave evidence that accused had sold him two cows, receiving £12 in money and squaring an account for £6 which accused owed witness for motor rides. He drove accused to Halcombe, there became suspicious, asked accused for his money back, caught accused trying to clear oat, and finally reported the matter to the police.

! Sergeant Cahill stated on October 18, after 8 o 'clock in the evening 1 , it was reported to him that the man Liddle had sold two cows to Mayhew, and it was believed they had been stolen. A description of Liddle being obtained, the sergeant and Constable Anderson wont to Halcombe. Next morning their search was successful, and they caught accused at Onepuhi. "When charged with cattle stealing, accused made no reply. Next day accused volunteered a statement. In the statement accused admitted the thefts. With the £12 he received, he paid £8 for a railway tourist ticket which had not been issued, he paid 22s to a taxi-driver, and he paid £2 to F. Prosser, which he owed him. He had 16s on him when arrested. Accused was then formally charged. He replied he was a man who was better inside than out. He was not accountable for his actions when he was out. On being asked to plead, ho replied, "1 plead guilty, your Honour." Accused was then committed to the Supremo Court for .sentence. A further charge of stealing a cow from S. J. Mayhew was preferred. The evidence was similar to ithat .in M\ei previous charge. Accused pleaded guilty, and was committed for sentence.—"Star."