FOUR YEARS’ GAOL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 659, 10 May 1929, Page 11

FOUR YEARS’ GAOL

REFORMATIVE TERM FOR EVERETT VIOLENT ATTACK ON GIRL “Had it not been for the recommendation to mercy by the jury, I would have felt it my duty to have enforced a very lengthy sentence,” declared Mr. Justice Blair in sentencing Edward Russell Everett, 29, to four years’ reformative detention. Bverett, who twice reversed his pleas of guilty, was convicted of attempted rape on a young woman at Manurewa on March 27, the jury making a strong recommendation to mercy on account of prisoner’s youth. Pleading for leniency, Mr. Noble reminded his Honour that Everett was a young man, who probably did not understand the gravity of his offence. He was a returned soldier who was obviously affected by his war service. It seemed that some men, who had been at the war, when in drink inexplicably committed these worst of offences. “He is on probation now for an offence of dishonesty,” commented his Honour. Counsel appealed to the Bench to take into consideration the jury’s recommendation, this being the first case in which he was involved where women were concerned. “As far as crimes are concerned, offences against women are the most serious that come before this Court,” remarked his Honour. “Your ease is very bad, hut 1 feel I must give full effect to the recommendation to mercy made by the jury on account of your youth. You are not so young as you look and should have known better.” He gave effect to the recommendation to the extent of imposing four years’ reformative detention.