“QUITE SUBNORMAL”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 564, 17 January 1929, Page 1

“QUITE SUBNORMAL”

CHANCE FOR YOUNG MAN ——. FOUND IN SHOP YARD “He is quite subnormal, in fact, almost silly,” said Mr. R. A. Singer explaining the actions of Vincent Crichton, who was found in the yard of a Kar-angahape Road shop late on the night of January 0. Crichton; alias Hector Wharton, a labourer, aged 25, was charged at the Police Court this morning with attempting to break and enter the shop of Emma Jane Hutchinson, with intent to commit a crime. He was also charged, with being found without lawful excuse in the yard of a shop owned by Frank Reginald Hutchinson. Mr. Singer asked that the offences be dealt with summarily, as the young man was subnormal. Though 25 years old he had the mentality of a boy of 10. He had a good home, but had got into the habit of wandering away at odd times. According to Sub-Inspector McCarthy, Crichton had been seen scaling the wall of a Karangahape Road shop. The night-watchman had followed him and he fled, leaving his boots and hat behind him. Later Crichton was found hiding in Myers Park, when he admitted that he had attempted to break into the shop with the intention of getting some money. He then said he wanted to go to gaol to get his muscle up. Mr. Singer: There is certainly no doubt of his mental condition. The first charge was dismissed, Crichton being admitted to probation ( for twef years on the second charge j and ordered to pay costs, £2.