The Amy Bock Case. (Press, 28 May 1909)

On 27 May 1909, Amy Bock was declared a habitual criminal by a Dunedin court after a series of convictions for false pretences. Defence counsel, Mr Moore, provided a background on Bock, who is said to be 46 years old. He noted her troubled upbringing, revealing that her mother had been committed to a mental asylum and later died in a mental hospital in Australia. After her mother’s commitment, Bock was raised in a ladies' boarding school in Melbourne. Following a significant financial loss in her family, she returned home and pursued a career in teaching, obtaining her licence at around thirteen or fourteen years of age. Despite this promising start, Bock's legal troubles began soon after, with her first known conviction occurring shortly after she started teaching. Her criminal history included multiple convictions for false pretences both in Australia and New Zealand, summing to a total of thirteen previous convictions and a combined sentence of sixteen years and two months. During the court proceedings, Mr Moore argued that Bock's past might indicate a lack of responsibility for her actions and requested a mental examination to assess her condition. However, the presiding judge noted that after the sentence was passed, she would be medically examined to determine her mental state, but for now, he refused to commit her to an asylum. The prosecution represented Bock as a skilled swindler who took advantage of others' trust, with some of her acts being particularly cruel, such as the case involving a victim from whom she stole all savings. The court described her as a "pest on society" and acknowledged the need for robust legal action against repeat offenders. In pronouncing the sentence, the judge stated that the law allows for indefinite imprisonment for individuals guilty of a series of offences, which would be the method of dealing with Bock. She was sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for her charges, and her status as a habitual criminal was formally declared. Mr Moore also mentioned that both the victims, represented by the Ottaway family, had expressed forgiveness towards Bock and were not seeking severe penalisation. The judge acknowledged their commendable stance but remarked on the nature of Bock's deception. The outcome leaves Bock facing a lengthy period of incarceration while the matter of her mental health and potential future treatment could be addressed by the Government.

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