“BEGINNING TO DRIFT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 71, 15 June 1927, Page 13

“BEGINNING TO DRIFT”

BOY STEALS CHEQUE SEQUEL IN COURT Short of money last September, a boy of 16, Albert Duncan Edward, yielded to temptation and stole a cheque for £3 10s drawn on the National Bank at Auckland and. endorsing it, obtained cash from James Hutson. Again in March. Edward, according to police evidence in Court this morning, endorsed another cheque, this one drawn on the Union Bank, Pukekohe. and worth £7 10s. In the Police Court yesterday Edward pleaded guilty to the lapses, and although ho was offered the chance of trial by a judge and Jury he decided to “get it over.” Chief-Detective Cummings said that at the time of the first three charges “ which arose out of the theft of* the cheque in September, the young fellow was under 16. The fourth charge of forging the Union Bank cheque would be reduced to one of false pretences. Having made the endorsement. Edward did not attempt to negotiate the cheque, but put It in the’ rubbish-bin.

The probation officer, Mr. Campbell, knew something of the boy’s history. “He is beginning to drift and I would suggest, sir, that he be put on a term of probation,'’ he said, addressing Mr. W. R. McKean, “He comes from respectable parents,” added Mr. Campbell.

‘I think the best thing I can do is to admit him to probation for two ye. ru,” said the magistrate in sentencing the boy. Edward was ordered to make restitution of the £3 10s Before leaving the dock the lad asked for the suppression of his name. “He has been previously convicted.” reminded the chief-detective. “Then I have no power to suppress your name,” declared Mr. McKean.