HOTEL PROWLER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 940, 5 April 1930, Page 1

HOTEL PROWLER

COURT DISBELIEVES HIS EXCUSES

“THANK YOU” FOR GAOL

“I was just wondering if the breakfast gong had gone,” explained George Compton Mansfield, when he opened the door of an hotel bedroom early yesterday morning, to see a young woman lying in bed. In spite of this remarkable presence of mind, Mansfield, who appeared at the Police Court this morning, was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment for being found on enclosed premises without lawful excuse.

Mansfield, an engineer, aged 36, pleaded guilty to being on the premises of the hotel, but denied that there was any intent to commit a crime.

Detective-Sergeant Kelly said Mansfield had pushed open the door of a bedroom in a city hotel where the young woman, who was employed as a clerk, was lying in bed. He had asked whether the gong had gone for breakfast. Later in the day Mansfield had been seen going up the stairs, and was found in the guests’ quarters. His explanation was that he was looking for a man named Edwards, but nobody had any right in that part of the hotel. He should have inquired at the office. EVIDENCE ADMITTED

The detective-sergeant called the clerk, but accused said there was no need for her to go into the witnessbox. He would admit her evidence as the detective-sergeant had stated it. In the box, accused said he had recently come from Matamata. He had met Edwards, and was told by him to visit him at the hotel. Mansfield admitted that he had been convicted of theft from an hotel previously. He had also served 18 months for false pretences, a month for theft, and a month for vagrancy. “I’ve been up to the mount, and I’ve learnt my lesson,” he said.

“What were you prowling up in the girls’ quarters for?” asked the magistrate. “Up to your old tricks again?” “Mr. Hunt, now, please—listen to me, please. You’re putting the w T orst view on it,” said Mansfield indignantly. “I’ve got a job that will take me out of the city for two or three years. The job is ready as soon as I like to ask for it.” “You can make your arrangements from the gaol,” decided the magistrate, imposing the 14 days’ term. “I’m very much obliged. Thank yon,” said accused, as he left the dock.