|
Stealing trees, shrubs, &c. wheresoever growing, and of any value above 1s.
Second offence.
Third offence, felony.
|
33. Whosoever shall steal, or shall cut, break, root up, or otherwise destroy or damage with intent to steal, the whole or any part of any tree, sapling, or shrub, or any underwood, wheresoever the same may be respectively growing, the stealing of such article or articles, or the injury done, being to the amount of a shilling at the least, shall, on conviction thereof before a justice of the peace, forfeit and pay, over and above the value of the article or articles stolen, or the amount of the injury done, such sum of money not exceeding five pounds as to the justice shall seem meet; and whosoever, having been convicted of any such offence either against this or any former Act of Parliament, shall afterwards commit any of the said offences in this section before mentioned, and shall be convicted thereof in like manner, shall for such second offence be committed to the common gaol or house of correction, there to be kept to hard labour for such term not exceeding twelve months as the convicting justice shall think fit; and whosoever, having been twice convicted of any such offence (whether both or either of such convictions shall have taken place before or after the passing of this Act), shall afterwards commit any of the offences in this section before mentioned, shall be guilty of felony, and being convicted thereof shall be liable to be punished in the same manner as in the case of simple larceny.
|