A MAN’S BRUTAL CONDUCT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1618, 30 September 1916, Page 3

A MAN’S BRUTAL CONDUCT.

HEAVY ’PERM OF IMPRISONMENT.

A distressing story of a woman’s downfall at the hands of a man described by the police as “a lowdown blackguard,” was told in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning, when Matthew Cornwall was charged with a serious offensive under the War Regulations Act. It was alleged that. Cornwell, being a male person over 15 years of age, lived partly on the earnings of one Ellen Elizabeth Anderson, who had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of loitering in Clyde Quay for the purposes of prostitution. Cornwall pleaded not guilty, and stated that he intended to call evidence.

In opening the case for (he prosecution, Inspector Hendrey stated that Anderson was the wife of a soldier who was at present showing his manhood on the battlefields of France, and fighting for (his class of man (indicating (he accused). Lnfortunately for herself, Anderson had become acquainted with the accused, and he had led her out into the streets to ply an immoral calling. The facts, as described by the Inspector, were of an extremely revolting nature, (he man leading an innocent woman into the streets and leaching her how to go about her wretched calling, tl was such a horrible case, .added the Inspector, that the Court had no power to inllict sufficient punishment. The woman realised her position, and was extremely sorry for her predicament. Evidence on the lines of the Inspeclor’s statement was given by Anderson, who stated that she was about to leave for Wanganui when the accused accosted her. All the money she earned she gave to accused. Evidence was also given by Constable Bind: and Sergeant M’Kelvie.

The Magistrate (Mr I). G. A. Cooper) ; Do you want to give evidence ? »

Accused: No; I’ll let it go at (hat. The Magisl rate: Well, in my opinion, the charge has been amply proved. You’are one of those lowdown brutes known to the police as a “bludgcr.” Inspector Hemlrey: Some time ago, your Worship, the Health Department started a. campaign, and asked the people to “swat that lly.” Now I ask you to “swat” this n;an. The Magistrate concurred, and imposed a sentence of nine months’ imprisonment.

As regards 11 10 woman, who had pleaded guilty, it was plain to Urn Magistrate that she had been more sinned against than sinning'. She promised to join her friends in "Wanganui, and (he Magistrate convicted her and ordered tier to eome up for sentence when called upon. — Post.