INDIAN DOCTOR CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 November 1929, Page 4

INDIAN DOCTOR CASE

THE SUMMING UP.

(By Telegraph—Press Association)✓

AUCKLAND, November 7. Following on the hearing of Share’s evidence, after luncheon,' the foreman* of the jury said that they would like Jo know why Dr Brockway had pot been called. , . , His Honour: “ I do not think that we . qan discuss that now at any rate, 'Air Foreman.” Addressing the jury, Mr Singer described the case as one of the. most difficult that had come before the Court.' But if or those dreaded photographs, no police officer would have prosecuted, and no juryman would convict. But how did these photo graphs affect the charge made, by the Crown? Had some influence been brought to bear upon the gilT subsequently ? ~ . ,' ; Air Meredith said that Mr Singer, with the greatest cleverness, had used the weapon of vilification .without the slightest, justification. His address had been a virulent attack on an innocent girl. In summing up, His Honour said that in New Zealand, the public generally, with good reason, had., unbounded confidence in the integrity ,and honesty of the members of ‘ the medical profession. Cases of breach of .that confidence were very rare. .. It was necessary that the jury should make up its mind as to the character ‘ of the principal witness put forward by the Crown. Did she leave the impression .that she was truthful? His Honour*drew attention to the Improper, nature "df remarks admittedly made by accused to the girl. Undoubtedly some of the photographs, if they were shown to the girl, were scandalous and shocking beyond expression. With regard to some that accused admitted showing her, they must ask themselves if any decent human being would show them to any respectable girl. Reference had been made to Dr Brockway, but he did not see that Dr Brockway had anything to do withsthe case at all. ■. , '

THE VERDICT. “A MENACE TO SOCIETY.” AUCKLAND, November 8. A verdict of guilty was returned by the jury at the Supreme Court tonight at the conclusion of the trial of the Indian medical practitioner, Balder Singh Share, charged with indecent assault on a female. The jury added a recommendation to mercy on the ground that, in its opinion, the prisoner was a sexual pervert. The trial had lasted for two days. The jury retired at five o’clock, and shortly before nine o’clock to-night it returned. , “We find the prisoner guilty as a menace to society,” said the Foreman, Some discussion followed as to what the verdict meant, and, at Judge Herdman’s directions, the jury again retired, returning in a .quarter off an hour with a verdict of “ Guilty,” together with the . recommendation mentioned. Sentence was deferred till Monday.