STOLE AN OVERCOAT

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20508, 26 May 1938, Page 2

STOLE AN OVERCOAT

M DRINK THE TROUBLE ’* f _______ CHANCE TO REHABILITATE " T always like to give the underdog a chance to rehabilitate himself. If this man were to fail to comply with the terms ef probation he could expect no consideration from the court again,” said Sergeant T. Kelly, in the Police Court, Hamilton, to-day. when Messrs J. B. Fow and G. K. Sinclair, J s.P., convicted Edward Randall (35), a labourer, for stealing an overcoat valued at £3 from James Sim. of Frankton. on May 18. Accused was admitted to probation for a year, special conditions being that he make restitution of 12s 6d for the overcoat and that he take out a prohibition order and remain away from the town. Accused was arrested by Constable McLean at Frankton yesterday afternoon. He told the constable that he had pawned the coat, in Auckland for 12s M. Sergeant Kelly said Sims, a painter, at Frankton. missed his overcoat on May 19. lie thought that accused rnay ha\e borrowed it. as he had be fore. On making Inquiries he found that accused had cone to Auckland, but when Randell returned to Frankton a few days later Sims found that flie coal had been left in Auckland ** Apparently this man is In the habit of borrowing overcoats from other people," said Sergeant Kelly, •* hut on this occasion, at least, he forgot to return it. He has a lone and varied list of romlrtlons.” Air F. I* Robertshaw. for accused. fr;nd Randell had beep given permission to borrow tbe coat before. On this occasion he thought -dm* would r»ot mind and he intended returning it after visitinc Auckland In fhe city, however, accused encaged on a lone drinking bout, and he had to pawn the coat in order to obtain sufficient money for a return railway fare to Frankton Accused had work to go to in the bush at Razlan. and counsel submitted that probation would afford him an opportunity to maJ.e restitution. ” ttrink soorn* to be tits trouble.” said Air Robertshaw, ' but he will take out a prohibition order.** In View of the fart that accused had work to go to out of town. Sergeant Kell v agreed that accused should be pivrn a change to rehabilitate himself.