Children’s Court Told Of Offences Involving £8060

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31109, 12 July 1966, Page 14

Children’s Court Told Of Offences Involving £8060

(N.Z. Press Association) TAURANGA, July 11. “This is one of the most difficult tasks I have had since I have been on the Bench,” Mr G. J. Donne, S.M., said during a Children’s Court sitting at Tauranga.

The Magistrate said this after hearing submissions by counsel for nine of 11 youths, who appeared charged with serious offences. A summary of the offences, which occurred in the Tauranga area in February, March, April and May, was read by Detective I. A. Cooper, of Tauranga. The youths had taken or stolen goods and cars of a total value of £BO6O 8s 2d. Some cars had been damaged. Goods worth £7760 10s 13d had been recovered. Restitution required after their offences amounted to £451 4s 2d, said Detective Cooper. Counsel for three youths, Mr F. H. Willoughby, of Tau- ! ranga said the group’s activities had caused “one of the greatest upsets this community has suffered.” Counsel for two youths, Mr M. D. M. Batchelor, of Tauranga, said the youths should be categorised as “one large group.” While there appeared to be no direct relationship between any of the offenders, in each offence noted in the summary, there was a common offender, he said.

All of the youths who appeared, pleaded guilty to at least one charge. The Magistrate convicted six of the youths on charges to which they pleaded guilty and remanded seven of them on bail to appear in the Children’s Court on July 22. The Magistrate placed two under Child Welfare supervision for 12 months, with the condition that for three months, the youths would be required to undertake charitable, social or community work on Saturday mornings,

as directed by the probation officer. Another was released on probation for a year, and ordered not to associate with those of the group whom the Magistrate named. He was also ordered to reside and work as directed by the probation officer.

The Magistrate fined another offender £2O on a charge of theft. The youth was convicted and the case adjourned for three months, during which time he was to undertake community work on

Saturday mornings as directed by the probation officer.

Those remanded were ordered not to associate with each other or with people the Magistrate had dealt with at other Court sittings; not to leave their homes after 8 o’clock each night until they next appeared, unless they were with a parent; and to make themselves available if directed for medical inspection, with a view to ascertaining whether they were fit for detention in a detention centre.