GIRL LED ASTRAY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 829, 25 November 1929, Page 1

GIRL LED ASTRAY

PROBATION FOR BIRTH CONCEALMENT PLEA BY COUNSEL “She came from the country, got in with a fast set of companions and was led astray,” declared Mr. F. C. Gould, of Dargaville, in the Supreme Court this morning, in pleading for a young woman, aged 21, who appeared for sentence for concealment of birth The girl was brought up in a good home and bore a good character, said counsel, who claimed that the phrse “more foolish than criminal” was never more applicable than in this case. He suggested that the mental torture and -physical pain the young woman endured during the birth of the child without medical attention was sufficient punishment. In view of the probation officer's favourable report concerning the young woman, counsel suggested that the court could well convict and order her to come up for sentence when called upon. When Mr. Justice Smith inquired if the prisoner had any employment to go to, counsel replied that she was now living with her parents and would not be allowed to leave them.

In passing sentence, his Honour said the circumstances indicated that she had undergone considerable stress. He did not think that the prisoner was actually responsible for her actions, though he considered she should be placed under some sort ot restraint.

She was admitted to probation for two years and ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution.