OFFENSIVE WRITINGS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4679, 26 March 1924, Page 2

OFFENSIVE WRITINGS.

PREVIOUS OFFENDER CHARGER. [IEAVY SURETIES DEMANDED. At the Magistrate’s Court this morning, before Messrs P. E. Brenaa and B. Gwilliam, J’s.P., Robert Whitten. farmer, Paeroa, was charged with exhibiting on March 12 and 19 certain offensive letters and a. telegram to a single woman of Paeroa. As the complainant feared that such conduct would be repeated, sureties to keep th: peace were asked for. Mr E. A. Porritt appeared for the complainant, and stated that the charge was laid under section 12 -if the Justices of the Peace Act. The complaint had been laid by the complainant because .she feared a repetition of defendant’s, conduct in the future, because she felt it a duty to fhe womenfolk of, the town to have a ,top put to the offensive practice. Mi Porritt stated that there were two previous orders against Whitten for similar cases of offensive writings. At this stage defendant oojected io one of the Justices presiding, but his objection was over-ruled by the Bench.

Complainant, sworn, stated that she had received the letters, newspaper cuttings, and telegram (produced) from the defendant. As a result of the writings she had consulted with her brother, who interviewed defendant and received his assurance that he would desist from further writing, but he had failed to do so, as further communications were subsequently received. The complaint had been laid because she was afraid of further communications being received, especially in view of the two previous convictions against the defendant.

The brother of complainant, sworn, stated that as a result of the correspondence received by his sister he interviewed defendant, who had given his assurance that no further writings would follow, but tliis had not been adhered to.

Cross-examined by defendant witness denied that a promise had been made to return the correspondence. To Mr Porritt witness said that no on ;ouragement had ever been given by his sister to defendant. In conducting his own case Whitten pleaded not guilty and maintained that the complainant was the aggressor. pie stated that he had no wish to force his affections on any woman, but being pf a speculative turn of mind and unmarried he did not intend to lose any opportunities. He maintained that complainant was prejudiced because of his previous convictions, and asked for a fair hearing, stating that he could find reasonable securities if the Bench allowed him sufficient) time.

The decision of the Bench was that an order should be made that defendant be bound over to keep the. peace towards His Majesty’s subjects, and especially towards the complainant, for a period of twelve months from this dale of the recognisance, defendant in the sum of £5OO, and two sureties in the sum of £250 or one of £5OO, to be approved of by the Bench. Defendant was given until 4 o’clock this afternoon in which to find the money, failing which he would be taken into custody.