A PECULIAR CASE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 147, 17 March 1919, Page 4

A PECULIAR CASE

CHAEGE OF /CHILD NEGLECT. By Telceraph—Press Association. Auckland, March 16. The case of William Eeyland and Elizabeth Eeyland, who were previously before the Supreme Court, having pleaded guilty before the Magistrate to a charge of withholding the necessaries of life from their son Frank, an imbecile, again came before Mr. Justico Hosking yesterday. On a previous occasion the Judge had said that from reading the depositions he was not satisfied that the .plea of guilty was justified. Legal argument took place yesterday as to whether tho law permitted a plea to be altered or withdrawn. His Honour said that the point was an important one, and had caused Judges anxiety in the past. It u.ight perhaps be the wisest course to pass no t sentence and to let matters stand. It would be a peculiar proceeding if the accused were sent to prison for an offence which was not supported bv the facts. Counsel formally moved to have the. committal for sontence quashed, and outlined the facts of the case. He said that there were no'signs of and the son was wel! nourished. Had full investigations been ninde at the time the present proceedings would rover hnve been commenced. Witnesses were called to show that the son was treated in the' same way as were other members of the faniilv. The Judge adjourned the ease to «ive the constable concerned an opportunity of being present. ' He would consult: his brother Judges on the legal points raised when the Court of Appeal sat.