MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 September 1943, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

SITTING IN MASTERTON CAR CONVERSION CHARGE AGAINST TWO YOUTHS Two youths, William John Graham Lee and James Richard Miller appeared before Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., this morning, charged with car conversion. Lee was also charged with the theft of an overcoat, a scarf and a watch. Both accused pleaded guilty, Miller adding that he did not know that the car was converted. On the car conversion charge Lee was committed to Borstal for three years and on the other charges no penalties were imposed. Senior-Detective W. Kane said that he apprehended the youths in the car. Miller was driving the car and accelerated when he saw the detective's car. Possibly Miller did not know that the car had been stolen but when he accelerated he must have known that the police wanted them for something. Lee had taken the articles mentioned in the charge from Rugby Park on August 14. Mr Lawry said Lee appeared before him at Martinborough four years ago. His record included charges of car conversion, 7 charges of breaking and entering with intent to commit theft, 2 charges of attempted breaking and entering and 2 charges of theft. “You will have to go back to Borstal,” observed Mr Lawry. Miller said, in reply to Mr Lawry, that Americans had given Lee petrol to drive the car.

Mr Lawry said the Americans had no authority to give away petrol. Mi' Lawry said that in view of the circumstances he would admit Miller to probation for two years with the proviso that he only drove a motor vehicle in the course of his employment. Loris Duff was fined 10s and 10s costs for exceeding the parking time limit in Perry Street. Judgment for plaintiff by default was given in the following undefended civil claim: Henry Nee v Bert Kelleher, claim £63, costs £2 9s.