“A PUZZLING CASE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 735, 7 August 1929, Page 9

“A PUZZLING CASE”

FATHER’S OFFENCE AGAINST CHILD THREE YEARS’ HARD LABOUR “Your case is a puzzle to me," said Mr. Justice Herdman, in sentencing Norman McMillan to three years’ hard labour at the Supreme Court this morning on a charge of committing an assault against his young daughter. Mr. Budd, who appeared for prisoner, said McMillan had previously borne an excellent character. “The jury brought in a recommendation to mercy,” said Mr. Budd, “and prisoner has no police record. He has always shown great affection toward his wife and family and he is known as a hard-working' husband and father. He has been reconciled to his wife and family since the offence. I ask your Honour to consider admitting him to probation.” “This is a difficult case to deal with,” said his Honour. “The prisoner committed indecent assault on his own child on two occasions, as the evidence shows. His character was clean until this offence and he is not old. Though it has not been proved, it may be that drink is partly responsible. He appears to be devoted to his wife and children, but nevertheless this is a case calling for punishment.”