SUPREME COURT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 82, 11 August 1913, Page 3

SUPREME COURT.

A SERIOUS OFFENCE. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, August 11. At the Supreme Court, Edward Patrick Madigan was sentenced to six years’ reformative treatment for a grave sexual offence. His Honor, after referring to the necessity of dealing firmly with this class of offence, said that at an early date, the prison authorities would consult medical authorities as to the best course to pursue in the treatment of such cases, and he would send in a report from the Bench to the Prison’s Board so that it could see what could bo done.

AN ACQUITTAL. Wellington, August H. A case in which John Houldsworth Smith, ex-Terfitorial officer, was charged at Wellington with having committed an indecent assault and also indecent act, was mentioned at the Supreme Court to-day by Mr Justice Chapman, who said that as the case was heard with closed doors, ho wished to explain the course that had been taken. The evidence, which was properly withheld Item publicatidn, was mainly that of several young lads, whose statements were undoubtedly true. An attempt was made to show that Captain Frandi had influenced them or had influenced the course of proceedings. There was not a particle of foundation for this or any suggestion to the detriment of that officer The jury returned the following verdict: —‘Not, guilty on the counts for indecent assault; and guilty of wilfully exposing himself, but without criminal intent.’* His Honor had taken time to consider whether it was necessary to reserve any question for the Court of Appeal, and was now satisfied that it was not necssary so to do. The verdict negatived criminal intent and entitled the accused to an acquittal.