“DANGEROUS MANIAC” GETS FIVE YEARS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 191, 2 November 1927, Page 14

“DANGEROUS MANIAC” GETS FIVE YEARS

JUDGE’S DUTY TO PUBLIC OFFENCES AGAINST GIRLS “The police report satisfies me that you are one of the lowest and most dangerous types of sexual maniacs,” said Mr. Justice Reed in the Supreme Court this morning, before passing sentence of five years, with hard labour, on Arthur Herbert Eden, who was found guilty of assault and attempted rape. *TT is clear that you used your shop for the purpose of defiling young jrircls,” continued his Honour. "I don’t know how many you did defile. I would not be doing my duty to the public if I did not send you to gaol for a lengthy term.” In pleading for the prisoner, Mr. R. A. Singer said he had been asked by the accused to make application for a rehearing of the case. Counsel did not make the request of his own account. but because the prisoner was bo insistent. "I would have no hesitation,” said his Honour, ‘‘even if I had the power, in refusing that. I quite agree with the verdict of the jury.” Mr. Singer said he could not quarrel with the verdict. The accused was getting on in years and his character had been clear except for a charge of drunkenness. He met with a serious accident about three years ago, and the result of that would suggest that he was mentally affected. Counsel asked that the evidence of the girls be discarded. “There was no evidence to dispute the allegations of misconduct,” said his Honour. “I admit I refrained from calling the accused,” said Mr. Singer. “Probablv quite wise,” replied his Honour.