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Magistrate’s Court Two Years’ Imprisonment On 36... (Press, 28 June 1967)

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Summary: Magistrate’s Court Two Years’ Imprisonment On 36... (Press, 28 June 1967)

Martin O’Keefe, a 24-year-old hotel steward, was sentenced to two years in prison following his appearance in the Magistrate’s Court on 28 June 1967. O’Keefe faced a total of 36 charges including 28 counts of false pretences, four counts of fraud, two counts of theft, and other offences, including escaping custody. The crimes were committed in various locations across New Zealand over the course of two months. Magistrate Mr E. A. Lee noted O’Keefe's history of dishonesty, emphasising the inevitable need for a long sentence due to his record. O’Keefe was previously discharged from prison in March 1967. Cyril Allan Kemp, aged 24, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for attempting to induce another male into an indecent act. The court heard from Kemp’s counsel that his homosexuality was a problem for which prison was ineffective, suggesting treatment instead. However, the magistrate dismissed this argument, stating that treatment was only effective if sought voluntarily. Kemp's history of similar offences contributed to the verdict. Laurence Ian Geddis, 20, was remanded for sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple charges involving the cashing of valueless cheques totalling £330 10s. He had fled to Australia after the offences but returned to New Zealand, where he expressed a desire to repay the money obtained through fraudulent means. The court allowed Geddis bail while awaiting a probation report. Vincent Harold Cant, a plasterer, received a year of probation instead of imprisonment for defrauding a company over a television receiver, revealing his financial difficulties after losing work. Douglas Haig Anderson, a 49-year-old freezing worker, was fined £40 and banned from driving for three years due to operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Other cases highlighted included Kenneth Shane Stevens, who received four months’ imprisonment for unlawfully taking a car, and various minor offences resulting in fines for theft and bankruptcy-related charges. David John Forrester, previously released from prison for similar offences, was sentenced to four months for burglary, reflecting a concerning pattern of recidivism in the court. The court dealt with multiple traffic violations, imposing fines on several individuals for speeding and other driving offences. Additionally, charges of theft and dishonourable financial transactions were announced, demonstrating a variety of criminal behaviours that occupied the court's attention. The stories reviewed during this session of the Magistrate’s Court illustrate the ongoing challenges of crime and rehabilitation in society, as the judiciary grappled with effectively addressing both the roots and consequences of dishonesty and criminal behaviour in the community.

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Publish Date:28th June 1967
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19670628_2_117.html