By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 21 January 1911 detailed the misbehaviour of a 14-year-old boy that stole and deceived his mother. His punishment was physical.
BAD BEGINNING.
Frank Henry James Russell, a well grown boy of 14 1⁄3, of 19, Prince Street, Ryde, was charged with stealing the sum of 5s., the monies of his mother.
Kate Russell, the mother of the boy, said on Saturday afternoon, she sent him to a house with washing, for which he should have collected 5s., but did not. In the evening he went out and did not return. Witness then gave information to the police.
P.C. Hodges said on Sunday he went to the Town Hall at Portsmouth, where he saw the defendant detained. He cautioned him, and told him he should take him back to Ryde Police Station. On the steamer he said “I received 5s. from Mrs. Locke, John Street. I lost 1s., and I spent 2s. 6d. on boat fare, food and cigarettes.”
The Mayor: He is rather young for cigarettes.
The Chief Constable: The Portsmouth police are inquiring into that.
Witness, continuing, said, he received from the Portsmouth Police 1s. 6d. and two packets of cigarettes, which were found on the boy when arrested.
The boy pleaded guilty, and admitted it was not the first time he had robbed his mother.
Mr. Fry, School Attendance Officer, said the boy had been warned many times. He was dishonest and untruthful. Only two hours before taking the money witness warned him, and urged him to do better, and he promised he would. He went straight away, stole the money, and went to Portsmouth.
The Chief Constable said the defendant had been discharged for stealing. He slept out all one night last week, and was taken home by the police at 5 o’clock.
Mr. Fry said the boy had lost several situations which had been found for him.
The Mayor said the defendant had been a very bad boy. He had robbed his own mother to enjoy himself by going on the boat and smoking cigarettes. He would receive six strokes with the birch, and he hoped it would be a lesson to him in the future. If he continued in his present course it could only mean his present and future ruin.
