Severe Punishment of a Clergy man

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 9, 5 July 1890, Page 4

Severe Punishment of a Clergy man

(Post's Correspondent) Melbottmne, June 24. The Her. N. Kinsman, found Guilty Under the Marriage and Matrimonial Causes Act, of unlawfully marrying a minor without .the consent of her parents, came up for sentence at the Criminal sittings of the Melbourne Supreme Court before Mr Justice Wood. In passing sentence, his Honour said the jury had acquitted ! the accused of complicity to commit fraud, and rightly, but they had come to the conclusion that he had been guilty of gross negligence, that he made no enquiry such as a reasonable and conscientious man would undoubtedly have made into the circumstances of the case. He had taken into consideration the recommendation of the jury and the fact that the mere conviction of a man in accused's position was a very serious thing, and did not think he would be justified in inflicting any imprisonment whatever. A fine would amply meet the justice of the case, but it would be substantial. The feeliug which the Court had with regard to this violation of the law should be marked by a punishment that would act as- some sort of deterrent to anybody clue who might be tempted to be careless in future, and also show thtt ah offence like this could not be committed with impunity.; The justice of the case required that the accused should be fined to the extent of £100: The fine was paid.