MONEY FOR RACES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 866, 9 January 1930, Page 11

MONEY FOR RACES

GARDENER ROBS CHINESE EMPLOYER GAOL FOR THREE MONTHS Climbing through the window of his Chinese employer’s house at Te Papapa, James Bertie Stewart found £7 10s in a suit of clothes. He went to the races, lost it, and was sentenced to three months imprisonment when he appeared at the Police Court this morning. Stewart, a labourer aged 31, was charged with breaking and entering by day the dwelling of Wing Fung on December 27 and stealing £7 10s. Mr. Noble appeared for accused and suggested that the charge be reduced to theft and dealt with summarily. Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., agreed, and counsel entered a plea of guilty. Chief-Detective Hammond said that accused had been working for Wing Fung at Te Papapa as a market gardener. While his employer was absent Stewart had climbed through a window and taken £7 10s from a pair of trousers hanging up in the house. He was a married man Jiving at Te Papapa. “He went to the races at Epsom and lost the money,” added the chief detective. “There are four convictions for theft and one for false pretences against accused, who has served three gaol terms. His last appearance was in 192 S ■when he was ordered to come up for sentence within 12 months if called upon.” Mr. Noble considered it possible that the man might have been affected by his long service at the war, and the wounds he had received there. The man had been through the retreat from Mons and had a most distinguished service record. He was married, with one child, and had frankly admitted the theft, giving no trouble to anyone. “He has gone straight for a year,” said Mr. Noble. “If you give him a chance he will try to find work and pay back the money. His wife and child are dependent on him.” “I can’t do it as he has already had one chance,” commented Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. “In view of his war record I shall halve the usual penalty.” A term of three months’ imprisonment was imposed.