THE PENALTY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10288, 24 May 1919, Page 7

THE PENALTY

PRISONERS SENTENCED THEFT OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. Four prisoners who were found guilty at the present sessions of the Supremo Court were sentenced by the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) yesterday morning. . , ...„,..,. James Arthur-Pollard, .alias Archie Taylor, a West Indian, who' was convicted of breaking and entering tho premises of Oscar Hull Brown, 137, Vivian street, and stealing a quantity of musical instruments valued at £125. came ut> for sentence. His Honour reminded prisoner that there were five previous■"• convictions against him for theft- and false pretences. Ho would give the Prisons Board an opportunity of -dealing with the prisoner by sentencing 'him to 18 months' imprisonment- and declaring him an habitual criminal. A DOMESTIC AFFAIR.

In the case of guilty of assaulting Matthew, Willie so as to cause him actual bodily harm, Mr P. W. Jackson reminded of the jury's recommendation to mercy, the fact that the prisoner, had suffered ill-health as the result of his experiences at the front and also that he had a wife ancL-young children. In the circumstances counsel asked that Cashman should not be committed to jail. His Honour replied that he could not entertain counsel's suggestion. He would abide by his decision not to allow a person to attack another with a knife. A sentence of nine months' imprisonment was imposed, His Honour remarking that if the prisoner felt ill he would recommend his transfer to Kaingaroa. A HABITUAL CRIMINAL.

An old offender named- William Albert Murray was represented by Mr P. W. Jackson. He had been found guilty of the theft of a kit of tools, and it was shown that he had twenty-six preyious convictions against him. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and re-declared a' habitual criminal. YOUNG MAN'S GRAVE'CRIME. The circumstances in the case of a young man named Henry Arthur Grant, guilty of an indecent assault on a little girl, were of a most revolting nature. Mr H. F. O'Leary pointed out the youth of the prisoner, and the fact that tile offence was committed two years ago.

Grant was sentenced to five years' reformative detention.