SERIOUS OFFENCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 729, 31 July 1929, Page 11

SERIOUS OFFENCE

HHftL OF YOUNG MAN dtThe sequel to a chance acquaintance struct up ora the Sunny Brao beach, Westroere. in February, between a. 15-year-old girl and a young man, Marry Davis, 23 years, was related to Mr. Justice Herdman in the Supreme Court today when Davis stood his trial on a charge of carnal knowledge. A cousin declared that the girl had told Davis she was 17 years of age. The girl, however, emphatically denied this accusation and asserted her cousin was telling lies. She described her meeting with Davis, nicknamed “Spot," on the beach. Her cousin, who had been in her company, wandered away, leaving them together. She blamed Davis for her condition. The stepmother produced letters written by Davis, admitting responsibility. * Detective McLeod, of Gisborne, stated that on arresting Davis accused admitted his conduct and said he intended to meet his responsibilities. After two hours’ consideration, the jury returned a verdict of guilty under the most extenuating circumstances. The foreman intimated that tile jury desired to make a very strong recommendation for mercy, adding that while the law remains as it is. young girls of this type should be kept under more strict supervision. “I shall pay strict heed to the recommendation. ‘ I think it is very proper in the circumstances," remarked his Honour, in remanding Davis until Wednesday for sentence.