FINE A MAN WORTH £10,0000.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 247, 8 March 1913, Page 3

FINE A MAN WORTH £IO,OOOO.

OR SEND 111 M TO GAOL? r Invercargill, .March 5. At the Magistrate's Court to-day Mr. Cruickshank, S.M., received the Probation Officer's report regarding Colin Gerard, who had been convicted of stealing a motor tyre. The Probation Officer did not recommend accused to probation. r His counsel (Mr. TT. A. Mac Donald) i asked that a line be imposed, if proba- ! lion were not allowed. : The Magistrate: It seems to me to be • a mean, nasty theft. The Probation ; Officer's report is not good. He is a ! man who has not had the best of char- ; actors in the past. To fine a man , worth £IO,OOO would be of no use, as : he would not feel it. I think I should ! send him to prison. : Mr. Mac Donald: If .you decide to take i the latter step, your Worship, T will ask - leave to appeal, as T have more facts in • connection with the ease to place before ■ you. i The Magistrate: There would be no ■ objection to an appeal, if accused thinks : he has a chance of proving himself inno- : cent. He will, however, be convicted, and sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment. Leave to appeal was granted, and a surety of £2OO entered into. ? "