THEFT AND BURGLARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1090, 5 September 1912, Page 2

THEFT AND BURGLARY.

BY BURNHAM ESCAPEE.

On Thursday last Mr Alex, 1 Speirs' bicycle, which he left outside Whyte's Hotel was stolen and on the same day the house of Mr Jeffrey at Moutoa, was entered during the temporary absence of the owner and a quantity of jewellery and money stolen. The police were communicated with and subsequently arrested a" young man named C. F. Wells alias Percy Feilds, at Gibbs’ mill. At the local police court on Tuesday last, before Messrs Hennesay and Hornblow J’s.P., the accused was charged with breaking aud entering the dwelling of Sarah Jeffrey by day, and stealing therefrom four rings, three brooches aud one pound seven shillings ; also on the same date at Foxton did unlawfully steal one bicycle, value the property of Alex Speiis. Kvidence was given by Mr Alex Speirs, who stated that he left the bicycle outside the hotel and on his return found that it had been stolen. After making enquiries he communicated with the police. Constable Woods, in evidence, said he traced the accused to Gibbs’ Mill, Moutoa, and had him watched. He subsequently charged him with the theft, which he admitted, aud gave information as to where he had planted the machine, The accused pleaded guilty. On the second chaage; Sarah Jeffrey gave evidence to the effect that she locked her house on the day in question, but left the bedroom window open, prior to calling on a neighbour. On her return she discovered that the house had been entered and the articles and money mentioned stolen from the bedroom and kitchen. She then communicated with the police. Constable Woods gave evidence as to arresting the accused and finding certain of the stolen property in his possession. He admitted having given one ring away.

Ivan Francis Watt gave evidence to the effe ct that accused engaged him to drive out several men to Gibbs’ mill for which he tendered a one pound note in payment. On the way out accused mentioned something about jewellery which he had in his possession.

Accused pleaded guilty and was committed to the Wellington Supreme Court lor sentence.