RICH KLEPTOMANIAC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3529, 26 August 1926, Page 3

RICH KLEPTOMANIAC.

AUCKLAND WfOMAN IMPRISONED. Auckland, August 24. A woman whose name was ordered to be suppressed, appeared today in the Magistrate’s Court, and pleaded guilty to the theft of an overcoat valued at £l2 19/0, and five other charges, involving smaller thefts from city shops. Accused’ resided at Remuera and after she had been caught shoplifting in Queen St. her house was searched with the result that the police found a quantity of new goods. Accused could not explain where these came from, and later admitted all the charges. Chief Detective Cummings said that accused came from a most respectable family. Her husband held a prominent position in the city. Accused lived with her family in a house worth between £2,000 and £3,000, lavishly furnished. Her two daughters recently embarked on professional careers, one teaching elocution and the other singing. Apart from her husband’s income, accused and her husband were interested iii property, and derived an income from it.

Counsel for accused pleaded kleptomania and worry, due to a serious illness of accused’s husband. ■ ' Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M., declined to consider a request for probation, and also an appeal for a line. lie sentenced accused to fourteen days’ imprisonment on one charge and on the others was convicted and admitted to probation for three years, .and ordered to make restitution of £l2 19/0.

Replying to the request for the suppression of her name, the Magistrate said that the names of offenders guilty of systematic shoplifting, were never suppressed. However, owing to the positions held by accused’s two daughters lie made an order as requested.