THEFT OF LUGGAGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 951, 19 April 1930, Page 1

THEFT OF LUGGAGE

TAKEN FROM LAUNCH WHARF GUILTY, BUT FORGETFUL Picking up a suitcase and rugs that passengers had left on the launch wharf on Thursday morning, John Patrick O'Brion walked off with them. His act earned him three months’ imprisonment in the Police Court today. Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., was on the Bench. O'Brion, a labourer, aged 55. was charged with stealing a suitcase and contents, valued at £7, belonging to Ivan Trevor Andrew, and stealing three rugs and a ground sheet, valued at £l. the property of Alice M. Heape. “Guilty, but I don't remember anything about it,” pleaded O’Brion. According to Sub-Inspector Shanahan, Constable Fowke, on wharf patrol. accosted O’Brion carrying the suitcase and the rugs, on the waterfront. On being questioned O’Brion said the articles were his own property. and he was going to his ship, the Canadian Commander. It transpired that the goods belonged to passengers who had left them on the launch wharf for a few minutes. , “I had a few drinks with my mates off the boat, and I don’t remember anything about it,” said accused. He professed surprise that the charge had been brought.” “This is the sort of offence we cannot put up with,” observed the magistrate, in imposing terms of three months’ gaol on the first charge, and one month on the second, to be concurrent. “Thank you, sir,” remarked accused, leaving the dock.