THEFT OF CYCLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 May 1943, Page 3

THEFT OF CYCLES

MASTERTON WOMAN BEFORE COURT. BENCH GRANTS PROBATION. On two charges relating to the theft of cycles, Ina Dorreen Browne, a married woman, of Masterton, was admitted to probation for three years when she appeared before Messrs J. Caselberg and J. V. Gordon, J’s.P., in the Masterton Magistrate’s Court "this morning. Senior-Sergeant C. Murphy said that the two cycles had been stolen and had been sold to two cycle dealers for a total amount of £9. Constable A. W. Nalder had arrested Mrs Browne this morning. Mr J, Hercock, of the Child Welfare Department, said the economic situation of the defendant played a large part in the offence. He said his Department would give every assistance that was possible to enable Mrs Browne to meet her obligations. The defendant said she stole the cycles to get money to feed and clothe her children. She received a “deserted wife’s” pension of £lO 4s 9d per month and had no other income. She said she could not manage on that amount.

The Bench adopted the recommendation of the probation officer and admitted accused to probation for three years, on condition that she made restitution of £9 received for the bicycles, the sum to be paid at such times and in such amounts as the probation officer appointed.