HIS SENTENCE

NZ Truth, Issue 1142, 20 October 1927, Page 7

HIS SENTENCE

Hairdresser Goes To Gaol

(Prom "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Rep.) During the next few weeks patrons of a hairdressing saloon in Pacific Buildings, Auckland, will not receive the attention of Herbert Lawson, the scissors expert of that establishment. He haa changed his address. A MANNEQUIN parade in the vestibule of the New Regent Theatre, Queen Street, the other afternoon attracted an inquisitive audience. Lawson was there. He entered into conversation with a young man, who accepted an invitation to meet him at 7.15 the following Wednesday evening, when they were to visit a cinema. What happened inside — and outside — the picture theatre that evening was responsible for Lawson's appearance in the Auckland Magistrate's Court last week charged with assaulting the young man. The first Item on the programme at the Regent Theatre was a film of Canadian scenery and during the screening, Lawson, the young man alleged, committed the offence. "1 did not strike him, as I wanted to- see how far he would go," stated witness. After the pictures they walked • little way along Wellesley Street and Lawson told his companion that he was a ladies' hairdresser with an office in Pacific Buildings. Before they parted company, another appointment was arranged for the following Wednesday, when they were to attend a boxing competition. "I kept the appointment just to see what would happen, but I informed the police in the meantime," continued witness. LAWSON'S STATEMENT In keeping the second appointment, the young man took with him Detective Bickerdike, whose Interview with Lawson resulted in the prosecution. Lawyer Leary, who appeared for the defendant, referring to the second appointment when the detective was present asked: "Do you recollect Lawson Inquiring whether your friend would come upstairs to his saloon when you were going to get your hair cut? — No. But the detective did go upstairs, didn't he?— Yes. And when you got to his office, defendant suggested that you get in the chair? — Tes. Detective Bickerdike gave evidence of having Interviewed Lawson at the Detective Office, where he signed a statement in which he admitted the offence and expressed regret. Lawson, in the witness-box, denied having made the statement produced by the detective. Chief Detective Cummings: Tou say that you didn't mention the facts stated in the statement?— No. The detective did all the talking; I was positively spellbound." "I aee," remarked the chief deiective. "If you didn't say it, then the detective muat have manufactured it!" "General reputation unsatisfactory and' quite consistent with the evidence," was the police view of Lawson* s character. In sentencing defendant to one month's imprisonment, the S.M. congratulated the young man on putting the case in the hands of the police. "It is the only way these men may be caught," lie added.