THREE YEARS’ “HARD”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 941, 7 April 1930, Page 10

THREE YEARS’ “HARD”

YOUNG MAN SENTENCED FOR THEFT “MERCY OUT OF QUESTION” '‘Mercy i 3 out of the question for a man like you; we will see what an extra year’s gaol will do,” remarked Mr. Justice Ostler, in the Supreme Court today, in sentencing Charles Edward Southerwood to serve three years’ hard labour for theft from a dwelling. Mr. Singer, who appeared for the prisoner, said he had already served terms of reformative treatment for two previous crimes. After his re- ! lease last time he had worked steadily for three or four months and then came to Auckland, where the temptation of an open door or window was too much for him. The prisoner was not normal, said Mr. Singer, and his family thought a short term of imprisonment would be effective. The judge commented upon the fact ! that prisoner had already been j treated leniently, but he then committed a further crime and served two years’ reformative. In 1928,! prisoner had been, sentenced to a' similar term and was hardly out of gaol when he committed the present i offence.