ASYLUM WARDER

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1929, Page 6

ASYLUM WARDER

SENT TO GAOL. WELLINGTON, Feb. 12. Found guilty, with a recommendation to mercy, on a charge of having assaulted a patient at the Porirua Mental Hospital, Henry Dixon Tyrer, a former attendant at the institution, was sentenced by "Mr Justice Herdman in the Supreme Court to-day to twelve months’ imprisonment with hard labour, to be followed by a period of reformative detention not. exceeding twelve months. Tyrer, who stood two trials in the Supreme Court (the first jury having failed to agree), was charged with having, with intent to do grievous bodily harm, caused actual bodily harm to one of the patients; and., alternatively, with assault so as to cause actual bodily harm, and with striking, wounding or ill treating a mental defective while acting as an attendant.

The jury found a verdict of not guilty on the first count, but guilty on the second, with a recommendation to mercy. The third count was withdrawn.

His Honour said he thoroughly agreed with the verdict. “You have been convicted of an offence of gravity,” lie added, addressing the prisoner, “and have committed a very brutal assault on one of those unfortunate persons whom it was your duty to protect. T shall give effect to the recommendation of the jury, hut I have a duty to perform to the public. T shall sentence you to twelve months’ hard labour, to he followed by a period of reformative detention not exceeding twelve months.”