CRIME, AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2827, 17 April 1882, Page 2

CRIME, AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT.

They know better how to deal with the most execrable of all crimes, in Victoria. The following is from the “ Australasian ” : The trial of John Plummer, a schoolmaster, charged with rape, was continued at Wagga-Wagga this morning at 8 o’clock. It was really pitiful to behold the number of small girls and boys who were dragged into the case to give evidence. Several girls gave evidence of disgusting behaviour on the part of the prisoner. The unfortunate little girl, the prosecutrix, gave her evidence very clearly, all through with great emotion. The medical attendants said that the girl’s statements were quite consistent with tfieir examinations. The prisoner did not attempt to show consent on the part of the prosecutrix, but maintained that the injury was self inflicted, and said the case arose from conspiracy on the part of the fitters employed on the railway line, because he had written strictures about them in the press. His Honor reviewed the evidence in an address of two hours duration. The jury after being absent a quarter of an hour, returned a verdict of guilty. The judge passed sentence of death. He betrayed great emotion, and occasionally was almost inaudible. He said the evidence was most atrocious and revolting, and he had never heard of its equul in the colony. He held out not the slightest hope, and said that public indignation would never be satisfied until the prisoner was banged.