A YOUTHFUL OFFENDER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 86, 18 April 1913, Page 5

A YOUTHFUL OFFENDER.

“SOMEWHAT OF A MEAN THEFT.”

Sixteen is rather a tender ago for a youth to be working on Ills own as a labourer on one of the Public Works’ railway lines, yet this was the age given at the Court this morning by a youth named James Seddon Butterworth, who was charged, with the theft of various articles, including boots, brushes, razor, from one Robert Henry Quayle. Accused pleaded guilty, and Sergeant MeNeely stated that this was 1 somewhat of a mean theft. Quayle and the accused batched at Midhirst, and while his mate was at work, the boy helped himself to Quayle’s belongings and left for Waitara, leaving behind an unpaid grocer’s account which Quayle had guaranteed. To his knowledge the accused was a first offender. x Asked why he had committed the offence, the boy stated that he could not explain, but that he was very sorry for his action. His Worship; “I don’t like sending young fellows to gaol. A theft of this kind shows that a fellow has not got a very good mind. However, I will give you a chance. You will be ordered to come up fo/ sentence when called upon, provided you pay before the 30 th of May the full amount owing to your mate. Try and go straight, it does not pay to act as you have done. The man who works hard earns the respect and esteem of his neighbours, and gets on every time. Accused: Thank you, Sir!