DELIBERATE FRAUD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 656, 7 May 1929, Page 1

DELIBERATE FRAUD

CARPENTER DECEIVES HIS FRIEND GAOL FOR THEFT "This man deliberately set out to cheat the man wher had befriended him,” remarked Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., when Albert Wilfred Small appeared at the Police Court this morning for sentence on seven charges of theft. Small, a carpenter, aged S 4, was remanded from last Tuesday so that the magistrate could see whether there was any chance of dealing with him without recording a conviction, Mr. Clarke having pointed out that a conviction would mean the loss of the soldier’s pension, which was his only means of livelihood. When Small first appeared he pleaded not guilty on seven charges of stealing tools of a total value of £44 from George Knight Gwilliam. Chief-Detective Hammond then said that Small was a pensioned soldier living at New Lynn. He had gone to Mr. Gwilliam, a storekeper, and said that he had a job to go to if lie could get some tools. Mr. Gwilliam had advanced him the money, and he had bought a kit which he afterwards resold to get money for beer. “Small went to Mr. Gwilliam again with the news that he had a chance of a big contract,” continued the chief-detective. “Mr. Gwilliam, generous man, gave him an order ou a city firm. Our friend in the dock here bought over £4O worth of tools and fittings which, he sold to other dealers.” "Nobody gives him a good name,” commented the magistrate this morning. “The probation officer's report is very bad.” Mr. Hunt said that he had thought of probation, but it was quite impossibly There were seven different offences committed on seven different days. Small was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment on the first charge. “It ought to be six,” observed the magistrate, “but I am thinking of his wife and family.” Accused was also placed on probation for two years and ordered to make restitution of £l9. Mr. Clarke: It is useless asking him to make restitution. His pension goes automatically now, and war injuries will prevent him from doing anything when he gets out. Mr. Hunt: I have tried to save his pension but that is now a matter for the authorities. »