A QUEER CASE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2103, 11 June 1907, Page 2

A QUEER CASE

AN UNWILLING ACQUITTAL,

Press Association. AUCKLAND, last night.

Ernest Claude Sheppard, a well dressed youth, aged lb, pleaded not guilty at- tho Criminal Court, before Mr. Justice Denniston, to a charge of committing a criminal assault upon a girl over the age of 16. The evidence was that the girl whoso ago is 17, was employed as a typist, having an office in a block of Queen street buildings, and accused a clei'k in an insurance offico on tho ground floor. Accused occasionally saw the girl, and during a conversation in the passage lie playfully took a ring off her finger. Two or three days later he ascertained what time I she left the office and was waiting I for lier between o and 6 o’clock when I be told her she could have the ring back if she came into the office. Tak--1 ing her into an inner room he locked I the door and committed the offence I against her will. Mr. Tole said that- the facts were I admitted, the only question being I whether the girl gave her consent.^ The principal witness, cross-exam-I ined, said no offence had ever been I previously committed upon her.

When tho offence had been committed by Sheppard, another youth camo in and expressed his intention of interfering with her, but lie desisted when she cried out. Dr. Lewis said there were no'marks of violence. If she , had resisted he would have expected to find some marks. His Honor referred in strong terms to the frequency of sexual crime and declared that an extremely sound physical correction would be the best way to punish accused. However, they were not. trying him for improper conduct, hut tor a serious criminal offence.

A verdict of acquittal was returned by the jury, who requested the foreman to state that they regretted the accused could not he punished for his blackguardly conduct. His Honor : “I quite agree with that.” Accused was discharged.