FALSE PRETENCES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 289, 27 February 1928, Page 1

FALSE PRETENCES

SUM OF £1,565 INVOLVED TWO YEARS FOR ALT DETAINED AT HONOLULU A long and earnest plea was made by Mr. Lovegrove on behalf of William Maddson Alt in the Supreme Court this morning, when the latter appeared for sentence on three charges of false pretences, involving a total sum of £1,565. Counsel stressed the fact that the prisoner had previously borne an unblemished character, and had held high positions in America. He was an American and had lost both parents before he was six years of age. He had been unfortunate in a motor business at Drury because he was too liberal and allowed motor-cars to be sold at ridiculous figures. As far as the present charges were concerned, he had endeavoured to impress a firm in America so that he could get an important agency. He had no intention of staying away and when arrested in Honolulu he was released on his own parole and came back to Auckland voluntarily. His Honour: If he had not returned he would have been brought back. Counsel said the prisoner’s wife was selling all her own property in order to make restitution. His Honour said it was quite apparent that the prisoner had borne a good character, but it was impossible to pass over these offences too lightly. “I have not the slightest doubt that your intention was to get away to America,” said his Honour, “and although I don’t suppose you will do it again, I must protect the public. You will be detained for reformative detention for two years.” A sum of £7OO found in the prisoner’s possession was ordered to be returned to the owners.