HOLD-UP MEN FINED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 601, 1 March 1929, Page 1

HOLD-UP MEN FINED

GUNS USED AT WESTFIELD BREACH OF ARMS ACT Pleading guilty on two charges of breaches oF the Arms Act, Roy Patrick Kitching and David McKenzie Stewart, central figures in the armed robbery at Westfield last November, were each fined £3 and costs at the Police Court this morning. . Their last appearance in the dock was at the last session of the Supreme Court, Avhen the two men were each sentenced to a term of 12 months’ reformative detention. They* were charged this morning Avith bringing arms—two revolvers and ammunition —into the country without a permit. There Avas a second count of keeping the weapons for longer than the permitted time Avithout a permit. “I understand that these charges were brought so that the. police could obtain an order for confiscation of the weapons.” remarked Mr. Cocker, who appeared for Hitching. All the circumstances Avere before Mr. Justice Blair Avhen the men were dealt with in the Supreme Court.”

Although he did not Avish to punish the men for something for Avhicli they had already suffered, Mr. F. H. Levlen, S.M., said that he Avas concerned with the fact of the arms being brought into the country and kept unregistered. What Avas done with the guns afterward was not his concern, but the public Avas entitled to protection. Mr. Cooker reiterated his plea that all the circumstances had been before tho Judge in tho Upper Court. The eA'idence of Customs officials had been heard and the present charges called for no penalty. Air. Bouissant supported Air. Cocker's contention on behalf of Stewart.