William Hiddersley, farmer, Castlethorpe, was summoned for stealing a fir tree, value 15/-, the property of the L.M.S. & S. Railway Co., at Castlethorpe, on Monday, Dec. 15.
The defendant pleaded guilty.
Mr. R. Humphreys (Euston) appeared to prosecute for the Railway Company, and remarked that it was a most extraordinary case. From information which has come to the Company’s police, one of the detectives went to interview defendant as to the taking away of a tree from Sandy Hollow, which was the Company’s property. Defendant said he did it without thought, and did not think he was doing wrong. A man told him to go to Sandy Hollow for a tree, which he wanted for a wireless pole. As it was too big he cut it into fencing poles. Mr. Humphreys pointed out that defendant was a man in a good position, and there was no apparent reason why he should have taken this action. He could have afforded to buy a pole.
As defendant had pleaded guilty, no evidence was called.
Defendant said he was anxious to get the wireless installed. He was asked to get on with it pretty quick, and he did so.
Sections of the tree trunk, about the dimensions of a telegraph pole, were produced by the solicitor for the inspection of the Bench.
The Chairman said defendant would have to pay a fine of £2; the maximum was £5, but he would be let off easier, as it was the first time. He would also have to pay 15/- the cost of the tree, the Chairman adding: You knew you were doing wrong in taking it.
Defendant: It was all done from want of thought.