DEALER IN DOCK

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 937, 2 April 1930, Page 10

DEALER IN DOCK

LED TWO YOUTHS INTO CRIME ALL FIRST OFFENDERS “If it were not for the probation officer’s good report, I would have sentenced you to six months’ imprisonment,” remarked Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., admitting Ashley Iveson Williams to probation this morning. Williams aopeared at the Police Court to answer thrse charges of theft and three of receiving. The magistrate was of the opinion that a serious aspect of the case was the leading of two youths to crime by accused. Williams was charged with the theft of two saxophones each valued at £3O, and a clarionet and case valued at £7 10s. All the goods were the property of a music store in the city. There were three charges of receiving, the total being six ukuleles valued at £B. Mr. Moody entered pleas of guilty. Detective-Sergeant Kelly said accused was a music dealer in Karangahape Road. Before Christmas his business had not been too good and all the offences were committed between October and March. He had arranged with two assistants at the city store to get musical instruments cheap. He had given money and cigarettes to them. Most of the instruments had been recovered, but there was restitution of £ls 12s to be made. Accused had a good character and there was nothing previously known against him. The Magistrate: I remember him when he came up first. He led these other young men to crime. I thought the defence was to be a question of debit and credit. “That is an absurd defence and it will not be heard this morning,” said Mr. Moody. Counsel said accused had l?een working for a firm in the city and had an excellent record. Two years ago he had decided to launch out on his own. He was 19 years of age and his capital was only £ls. He had been three years in business, but had now given it up at counsel’s suggestion.

Mr. Moody asked that Williams be not sent to gaol. He was the son of respectable people and had had a good education. His parents would help him to make good. Accused had been frank with the police and part of the restitution could be made immediately. “The police will agree that this young man is# not a criminal type,” counsel continued. “It is more stupidity that has led him into this trouble. I am confident that if he is given a chance he will redeem himself and become a useful citizen,” counsel added. Mr. Campbell, probation officer, agreed that accused was worthy of a chance and he was admitted to probation for two years. He was ordered to make restitution of £ls 12s. “This is your last chance,” the magistrate warned accused. Of the two young men, one was charged with stealing four ukuleles and £1 in money from the same city music store. The second was charged with stealing one ukulele. Mr. Sellars appeared for both youths. -“These are young boys and there are special circumstances,” said counsel. The Magistrate: All the talking in the world will make no difference. 1 have made up my mind. I shall suppress their names and adjourn the cases for six months in order to avoid a conviction. We can then see how they behave. The magistrate explained to Mr. Sellars that he had told him all about his clients when they first appeared and were remanded. “Go away and be honest,” he said to the accused.