HAMILTON POLICE COURT.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1637, 2 January 1883, Page 2

HAMILTON POLICE COURT.

Saturday. —[Before Mr H. W. Northl , croft, R.M.] \4 An^lmpuaent^ Theft, •Edward ConstXnck viaa brought up on a charge of 'stealing' a Wfttch '"and chain, valued at £9 10s, and. 2s in silver, the property of Hugh Pollen, on Boxing night. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and requested to be dealt with snmmarily. Sergt. McGovern said the offence was a most flagrant one. Prisoner, at Mollen's request, had accompanied the latter home to have supper with him, and while Mollen went out for a few minutes to call at a neighbour's house, deliberately took the watch, &c, and decamped. ,TJie police were cominuuicated with, and ft once searched prisoner's belongings but without effect. On Wednesday morning, however, a man named Kay, living in" Hamilton West, informed the police that someone had {hidden a carpet bag in jan out-hbuse on his premises. On enquiry the bag was found' to be the property of prisoner, and inside it the stolen articles were found wrapped up in an old stocking. The Sergeant said.hehadknow,n prisoner for about 18 years, and, although he had been convicted for drunkeness, he had always borne a good character. In answer to the Bench, prisoner said< he had nothing to say. He thought] he owed it all to drink. He did not say he was drunk at the time, but if he had not been drinking for days previously he would not have committed the theft. Mr Northcroft said he would deal leniently with the prisoner on account ,of his previous good character. Prisoner richly deseryed six months in gaol, but the sentence would be three months in Mount Eden, with hard labour.