MIDNIGHT VISITOR

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 420, 31 July 1928, Page 13

MIDNIGHT VISITOR

YOUNG FARMER FACES TRIAL GRAVE ALLEGATION MADE Charged with breaking and en* tering a dwelling at Kaeo by night with intent to commit a crime, and with being a rogue and vagabond, Henry James Sheppherd stood his trial in the Supreme Court this morning. It was alleged that the accused, who pleaded not guilty, entered the room of a girl who was sleeping there at about 1 a.m. on Monday, April 23. Mr. Guy, of Kaikohe, defended the prisoner. _ Opening the case for the Crown, Mr. V. N. Hubble said the prisoner lived on a small farm at Kaeo. His neighbour was William Smith. The accusation against Shepherd was that he entered the room where Mary Smith, aged 17, was sleeping. The other occupants of the house were Mrs. Smith and four young boys. Mary Smith was awakened by the accused holding her shoulders. She called out to her mother, who came in quickly with a torch. Flashing it they both distinctly saw the man, who struck the torch out .of her hand. Next day Mrs. Smith taxed the accused over the phone with having visited her daughter’s room. Though at first he denied it, he later admitted being the man, /ind asked her not to make a case of it. Details of the story were given by Mary Smith-and by her mother, Charlotte Alice Smith. To Mr. Guy, Mary Smith said there was no doubt in her mind as to-who was in her room. (Proceeding.)