THE BURGLARY AT ROSS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 862, 16 September 1871, Page 3

THE BURGLARY AT ROSS.

At the Supreme Court, Hokitika, on Monday, before His Honour Mr Justice Richmond, Peter de Loree was indicted for that he did on the 23rd April last, burglariously break and enter the premises of Peter Kelly, and did steal and carry away certain property to the value of £3OO, and money in silver, to the value of £7. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and called witnesses to character. He then said that he had be»n 23 years in the Colonies, and had never been through the Insolvent Court; only twice had he been summoned for debt. He had always acted honorably to everyone. He had the misfortune eight years ago to lose his wife, who had left five small children. He had married again, but his wife had turned out a drunkard, and his family had drifted into destitution. Just before the commission of the robbery he had received a letter from Westport stating that his children were starving, aud his eldest boy was begging in the streets. —(Hear the prisoner burst out sobbing, which prevented his speaking for some time.) —He had been travelling with bis two daughters performing, and at the time fee received the letter, both his daughters were out of situations, and he had himself but -3s 6d in his pocket. Under this pressure, and tor the sake of his family, he had committed the offence. He trusted that his Honour would take into consideration the time he bad been in gaol and that he had voluntarily occupied himself in mending and snaking clothes for the prison<ers. j

His Honour said he would consider the matter, and pass sentence on the (following day.