Judge Rules That Young Girls Must Be Protected

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5325, 11 February 1947, Page 6

Judge Rules That Young Girls Must Be Protected

HAMILTON, last night. Two young men, one of whom had pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful carnal knowledge, and the other found guilty of a similar offence, were each sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for three months by Mr. Justice Smith in the Supreme Court at Hamilton to-day. "The Court owes a duty to the public, and must do something to deter young men from acts of this nature," said His Honor. In both cases the girls concerned had apparently been willing parties to the illicit association, but that did not absolve the men. "The Courts must do something to deter the commission of this class of offence, which was increasing in frequency." His Honor said that he had decided that a short^ priscn sentence was best so that ybung men generally would ,know they must let young girls alone. In one case the girl was not only a consenting party; she seemed to be the inciting party, but both were under 15 years of age. "These cases recur frequently, and the Court must consf&er the public interest as paramount to private interest. It has a duty to proteet girls 'against themselves," His Honor contmued. He added that he had taken into consideration the recommendations of the probation officer and the state- j ments of counsel, but felt it necessary » to impose prison sentences. Probation had not proved to be a deterrent.