Magistrate’s Court ‘incorrigible Professional... (Press, 4 September 1975)

On 4 September 1975, Larry Hemi Matthews, a 25-year-old carpenter, was sentenced to three years in prison for burglary in the Christchurch Magistrate's Court. Described as an "incorrigible professional burglar" by Magistrate W. F. Brown, Matthews broke into the West Melton Tavern on 14 July, stealing $344.50 after forcing a window. He also received concurrent sentences: six months for possessing burglary tools and attempting to steal a car valued at $1,700, three months for dangerous driving, and he faced a five-year driving disqualification. Matthews' criminal history included a prior three-year prison term for burglary, having been released only two months before committing the tavern crime. The court heard that Matthews fled the scene in a van, leading police on a high-speed chase that reached 75 miles an hour, demonstrating reckless driving by swerving onto footpaths and nearly causing accidents. Magistrate Brown noted the extreme nature of Matthews' offences and the significance of imposing a severe sentence to serve as a deterrent to others. Other cases reported included a range of theft-related offences and traffic violations. Mervyn John Harkness, an unemployed barman, faced multiple charges for failing to pay motel bills totalling over $150 and stealing from his mother. He was remanded for a psychiatric evaluation. A 44-year-old woman, facing 45 charges of cheque forgery amounting to over $33,000, was also remanded without plea. In a separate incident, a youth was charged with stealing money intended for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind during Braille Week. Joseph Richard Fraser, 19, pleaded guilty to 24 burglary charges and was remanded for sentencing. Matters of public indecency and drug possession also came before the court, with varying consequences from probation to fines. Multiple individuals charged with driving offences, including excessive blood-alcohol levels, faced both fines and disqualifications from driving. The court proceedings highlighted the significant issue of burglary and theft in Christchurch, and Magistrate Brown and other officers expressed concern over the rising crime rates, particularly among young offenders. The handling of cases reflected both a desire for accountability and an awareness of the varied backgrounds of the defendants, with many cited for needing psychiatric help or support for alcohol abuse. Overall, the court's actions aimed to balance punitive measures with rehabilitative opportunities, reflecting the complexities of crime and punishment in the community.

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