GAOL FOR CRIME

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 8

GAOL FOR CRIME

Prisoners Before Supreme Court COMMENT FROM JUDGE (Special to * 1 Times. ”) NAPIER, Feb. 12. Sentence of six months' hard labour on each charge, the terms to be concurrent, was imposed on Frederick William Morley, aged 28, labourer, of Hastings, when he appeared for sentence on charges of theft and receiving in the Supreme Court at Napier before Mr Justice Ostjer this morning. “I regret that the gentleman who gave evidence for the Crown—Mr Goodall —is not standing "beside you,' ’ said his Honour in passing the sentence.

For the prisoner, Air W. S. Averill I pointed out that, at tho time of tho offences, the prisoner had never been before the Court. As far as the charge ’of receiving tho watch was concerned., ‘it 6eemed that the prisoner had fallen ;victim to the excessive generosity of Harrisou. At that time Alorley was in financial straits. Alorley bad served a term of imprisonment for converting a car, and since then he had realised that dishonesty did not pay and had entirely reformed. Mr Averill suggested that Alorley was shielding someone who had u claim on him. ‘“The* circumstances provide convincing evidence that you are a dishonest thief,” said his Honour to Alorley ia imposing sentence. “You have a previous conviction, and tho probation officer-,: report is bad.” Term of Probation, Pleading that if the prisoner were scut to gaol a young llarotongan wife icccntly landed in New Zealand would oe left destitute, Mr A- H. D. Alayne asked that leniency should bo extended to David William Alcßirney, labourer, uged 34, on a charge of obscene exposure before two small girls in Napier. . Mcßirney was admitted to probation ■tor a year with a provision that ho should pay the costs of the prosecution. | Mr Maync said that, apart from, a ’previous offence of a sexual nature, ’this act of obscene exposure was tho only stain on tho prisoner's character. Mcßirnoy was highly respected by a large circle of friends, lie also supported an aged mother in Rarotonga, end if ho were sent to prison this support would be cut off. His Honour remarked that he did not wish to see the wife loft destitute, and proposed to give a final chance. Referring to the prisoner’s seven-year exile from tho Cook Islands after a term of imprisonment, his Honour asked Mcßirncy if he intended to return at the expiration of the period, and received a reply in the affirmative. Arikoriana Rangirangi, aged 28, and Joen Waikawa, labourer, aged 32, stood in the dock together, each for sentence on two charges of false pretences. For Rangirangi, Mr C. R. Sainsbury stated that she had been influenced by her two uncles in forging the name of a deceased sister. On condition that restitution was made and the costs of the prosecution, amounting to £l3 13/9, were paid, his Honour admitted the prisoner* to probation for a year

nation ior a year Five Years’ Hard Labour. Harry Victor Wright Barke, process engraver, aged 30, appeared for sentence on two charges of indecent assaults on males and one of an attempted obscene offence. Mr John Mason suggested that persons who suffered from this form of weakness should not be sent to prison. His Honour agreed with the contention, but said that he knew of no treatment that was available in such eases. “I have heard similar pleas put forward on several occasions,” said Iris Honour. To the prisoner he said: “It is unfortunate that you are unable to help your instincts, which are bom in you. Tho Legislature in its wisdom sees that imprisonment is provided not as a euro but as a protection to others. The only thing I can do is to spnd you away for as long a period as is reasonable. The sentence of tho Court is imprisonment with hard labour for five years.” Thomas Smith, who committed the theft of a model yacht, was granted probation and ordered to pay within one month the cost of the prosecution, amounting to £1 5/-. His Honour warned the prisoner that it was only because of his wife and young family that he was accorded leniency. Air C. G. E. Harker, for the accused, wiid that lie had just recently been sen.fenced to imprisonment on charges of petty theft. lie was tempted to take the yacht for his eldest son, aged 11. “Your conduct doesn’t really deserve this course,” said his Honour. “You apparently destroyed the yacht out of fear. It was foolish, but does not show a wicked mind. You have started a career of petty crime, but for the sake of your wife and children alone I am giving you probation. This is your last chance, so see you make the most of it.” Probation for Dawson ; Probatjon for two years was extendied to Keith Stewart Dawson, motor mechanic of Waipukurau, aged 30, when he appeared for sentence on charges of forgery and uttering, forgery (two charges), uttering, and obtaining credit by fraud. Ho was ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution, amounting to £ls 15/7, within three months. lor Dawson, Air C. G. E. Harker said* that ho was a comparatively young married man who had worked for many years in a leading garage in Napier, and this employer said he was one of their best men. Tho prisoner had started business on hi» own account and got into difficulties. Bo commenced the irregularities which constituted tho charges in an endeavour to clear his difficulties. The prisoner later filed in bankruptcy. He was at present employed in Waipukurau, and his employers were prepared to take him back. “The mau appears to have lost his head completely,” Air Harker declared. The crimes wore very dangerous, i said his Honour. The probation officer lxad reported, that the prisoner had

It was her birthday, and the younf man, hoping to make a good impression brought her a magnificent bouquet, fehi was certainly impressed, ana fie wa» rewarded with fiia first kiss. “How sweet ot vou,” she smiled 1“ to bring me these Deautitu! flow ers! So lovely and fresh. 1 believe there is some dew on them yet.” j The young man looked cmbarrusSe 1. J “Well,” he stammered, “a* a ter of fact there is. But I'm going to pay it off on Saturduy.”