SERIOUS CHARGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 14, 9 February 1942, Page 5

SERIOUS CHARGE

ASSAULT ON WOMAN

TWO YOUNG 3,1 EN PUNISHED

Messrs G. A. Brabant and J. G. Mulholland, J's.P., took a serious view of the offence when at the 'local Court on Friday Joe Hona and Renata Ho hapat a, two young Maoris of Paroa, faced charges of aggravated assault on a woman. In view of his bad record Hona was sentenced' to three months hard labour at Mt. Eden gaol and the other accused, in view of his age and hitherto clean record was sent to the Whakatane gaol for one months hard labour. When charged both the accused pleaded guilty and Sergeant M. Farrell related to the bench how on the night of January 28 both young men had gone to a party being held at Paroa. Both had had drink before putting' in an appearance and probably consumed more liquor at the birthday celebrations. Amongst those present at the house was Mrs Jane Skinner, a Maori woman living apart from her husband, and it was freely admitted that Mrs Skinner had also had liquor. gi. Continuing, the Sergeant stated that between 11 and 12 o'clock Hohapata had. approached Mrs Skinner and told her thati a man wished to see her down the road and she had left escorted by both the accused. When about two chains from the house the young men had knocked Hie woman down and acco-rding to her statement had endeavoured to commit a very serious offence. Mrs Skinner had resisted violcntly and with success and reached later the house of a- friend who regarded her as being in a very distressed condition. When later approached both accused had admitted the attack but denied anything other than common assault. When imposing the sentences the bench stated that the offences were regarded as very serious and pointed out that l'or crimes of such a nature the penalty could be six months gaol. Commenting on Hona's bad record the bench imposed the hard labour sentence and in giving Hohapata a lighter term ordered him to work hard otherwise his sentence would be reviewed and he would also be sent to the Auckland gaol.