OLD MAN’S CRIME

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 816, 9 November 1929, Page 6

OLD MAN’S CRIME

18 MONTHS’ REFORMATIVE DETENTION PRISONERS SENTENCED Eighteen months’ reformative detention was the sentence passed by Mr. Justice Herdman in the Supreme Court yesterday on Martin Charles McCarthy, aged 66, for indecent assault on a six-year-old girl. In passing sentence the judge remarked that time after time cases of interference with little girls by elderly men came before the court. His Honour said he had to protect the children of the community. The fact that accused was under the influence of liquor at the time was no excuse, the judge declared. Reformative detention was given in view or the prisoner’s age. PROBATION FOR THEFT William Philip Payne was admitted to probation for two years for the theft of £l6B while a servant of the Railway Department. His Honour stated he was able to distinguish this case from the general run of theft in the public service. It was extraordinary that at the tim* of the theft prisoner had money to his credit, and the police apparently accepted prisoner’s explanation that h© borrowed the money on the Saturaa. intending to replace it on the Mon* day, as it was evident he had ample means to do so. COMMITTED MISCHIEF Probation for two years was also allowed to James Francis Witfen, aged 24, for committing mischief by breaking the door of premises in Endeans Buildings. It was stated that the young man had been in New’ Zealand only a days when he committed the offence, and in view of his previous good record tlie judge granted probation. HARD LABOUR TERMS For receiving stolen furs James McDonald and James Walsh wer f each sentenced to 18 months hard labour. His Honour told the prisoners both of whom were new arrivalsin this country, that they were the tyP® not wanted in the Dominion, ac “ having previous convictions in Australia. • Another chance was given to Gilbert Helleur, aged 25 who vvaadmitted to probation for two y®*y for breaches of the Bankruptcy AcThe judge said he understood that He* leur’s position was caused by muddling, rather than criminal acts.