STOLE FOR FAMILY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 878, 23 January 1930, Page 1

STOLE FOR FAMILY

TO KEEP ROOF OVER HIS WIFE’S HEAD THEFTS FROM CITY FIRMS The theft of goods of a total value of £7B 8s had been committed by John Langford Gavey, according to Mr. Vialoux, at the Police Court this morning so that he could keep a roof over the heads of his wife and family. Gavey, a salesman aged 25, pleaded guilty through Mr. Vialoux to four charges of theft, one of obtaining £6 10s by falsely representing that a couch was his own property. The goods stolen included two vacuumcleaners, a gramophone and a radio set. They had all been taken from city firms in December and January, and the tptal value was £7B Bs. Mr. Vialoux asked for a remand until Tuesday, remarking that he wanted to make inquiries. Counsel suggested that the probation officer prepare a report on the man. Chief-Detective Hammond said that accused had obtained goods by various means !and sold them to dealers. In one instance he had obtained an article by giving a false name, and in others he had told the story that he wanted goods for customers of his. The couch had been taken to an auction-room and sold as soon as accused had obtained it from the suppliers. Counsel explained that Gavey was absolutely destitute. He was a married man with two children, and had been out . of work. All the money from the thefts had gone to maintain his home for his wife and children. The remand was made as requested.