JUDGE’S AMAZEMENT

Shannon News, 24 July 1928, Page 3

JUDGE’S AMAZEMENT

STRANGE OLD MAN IN COURT

FIRST: CRIME AT SEVENTY-SIX

The problem of how to deal with a man who committed hia first crime at the age of 76 was set Mr Justice Humphreys at the Leeds Assizes recently. John Henry Hughes,, a retired baker, of venerable appearance, pleaded guilty to being found in possession of counterfeit coins, and to robbing an automatic cigarette machine by means of such coins. The judge expressed amazement that a man who had led an unblemished life should, in his old age, commit the seri ous crime of coining. Two detectives stated that in addition to eight counterfeit sixpences found on Hughes when arrested, they discovered in the cellar of his house a number of other base sixpences, and-al-so a mould bearing the impress of the counterfeits.

The judge asked the detective who testified to accused's good character, if he could explain Hughes’ conduct. The officer replied that he could not. "Has he offered any explanation himself?” asked the judge. "No, except that he had,too much time on his hands.”

The Judge: "We hear of Satan finding mischief for idle hands to do, but I should have thought a man of 76 might reasonably have a little time off.” 8

The officer said that Hughes had some good friends, but they would not come forward. Hughes and his wife were drawing the old age pension, and the house and furniture were in the woman’s name. The wife obviously kjiew nothing of her husband’s venture as a coiner.

Declaring that he could hot find it in his heart to send a man like Hughes to prison, the judge bound him over. I hope you will never enter a criminal dock again,” remarked the judge, and Hughes, who seemed on the verge of tears, bowed his head.