Magistrate’s Court “professional Fraud” Sent To... (Press, 18 May 1963)

On 18 May 1963, the Magistrate's Court saw several significant cases, including the sentencing of Foster Lascelles Layton for fraud under the Social Security Act. Layton, 33, currently serving an 18-month term for previous offences, was sentenced to an additional three months in gaol for providing false statements about his identity and marital status to the Social Security Department, resulting in overpayment of benefits. The Magistrate, E. A. Lee, labelled Layton a "professional fraud," and noted his lengthy criminal record, stating that he needed to be kept away from the public. Layton indicated plans to appeal the sentence. Another notable case involved John Victor McGuire, also 33, who was convicted of possessing housebreaking instruments and subsequently remanded for sentencing. The Magistrate dismissed a second charge against him as the evidence did not convincingly indicate malicious intent. In domestic disputes, Clive Ross Hartly, 17, was fined £10 for assaulting a neighbour who intervened in a quarrel with his mother, resulting in the neighbour suffering concussion. Joseph Carter, aged 39, was jailed for 14 days for assaulting his de facto wife, claiming her infidelity provoked his actions. Mervyn Joseph Doe, 48, pleaded guilty to assaulting his de facto wife and another man while armed with a knife, and was remanded until later in May for sentencing. Thomas Henry Pink, 32, was sentenced to three months in prison for making false statements to receive an overpayment of social security benefits. Several individuals faced charges related to theft, with varying outcomes. Marylyn May Baker, 19, was issued a bench warrant for failing to appear for sentencing regarding theft, while Mary Joyce Corie, 40, received a conviction for shoplifting, with a refusal for name suppression due to the deterrent effect of publicity. Several other cases highlighted issues such as using offensive language, unlawful taking of bicycles, and theft of lesser values, including culinary items and personal property. Some defendants, such as Kevin Barry Crannitch, were granted probation for showing past good behaviour, while others faced sentences for repeated offences. The court also dealt with cases regarding minors and liquor-related offences, with young offenders fined for possessing alcohol unlawfully. A 43-year-old woman, Dulcie Wilson Pert, was convicted of theft after taking money while visiting a friend. The report from the court also indicated remands and specific charges related to vehicle theft and threats of violence, with various individuals awaiting sentencing or further assessment. The overall impression from the court proceedings was one of a busy docket addressing a mix of violent and non-violent crimes, underscoring ongoing social issues within the community.

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