SHOP-LIFTER FINED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1029, 21 July 1930, Page 1

SHOP-LIFTER FINED

STOLE GOODS FROM QUEEN STREET FIRM

£lO OR ONE MONTH Helping himself from the stock of a city firm cost Joseph Hillary Mason £lO, or one month, at the Police Court today. He was ordered to pay the fine forthwith. Mason, a salesman, who appeared on two charges, pleaded guilty to the first, and not guilty to the second. Sub-Inspector Shanahan said thaL' at 6.30 p.m. on Friday accused was \ seen to pick up a shaving brush and a cigarette case in a Queen Street j shop. When he was challenged and later interrogated by the police, he denied the offence, but search of his clothing at the police station revealed the articles in question with other articles which were identified by shop assistants as belonging to the stock. The amount involved was 15s 9d. Evidence was given by shop assistants in corroboration of the police evidence. Mr. Aekins, for accused, said that in view of the police evidence, he would plead guilty. “We know nothing previously about him,” said the sub-inspector. “He is living apart from his wife, and has no previous convictions. He Sought some goods at the shop aud took the others.” Counsel asked for probation. Accused now had a position as salesman for a city firm. He had been in custody since his arrest. Mr. Hunt: Imprisonment is really the only remedy for shop-lifting. However, I’ll fine him £lO or one month on the second charge, the fine to be paid forthwith. On the first charge he is convicted and discharged. Accused is ordered to pay costs also.