Youth Admits Brutal Assault on Girl

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 907, 26 February 1930, Page 1

Youth Admits Brutal Assault on Girl

STORY OF STRUGGLE THREE YEARS’ DETENTION From Our Own Correspondent PUKEKOHE, Today. The sequel to the brutal assault on the 15-year-old girl at Razorback last Wednesday afternoon, was the appearance of Sidney John Vernon, aged 18 years, in the Pukekohe Court today. The charge was reduced to one'’ of aggravated assault. Accused pleaded guilty. Constable C. W. Powell said the girl’s clothing was badly torn and her blouse was covered with blood. She was bleeding on the hand and mouth and bruised on the neck. In a statement to the police accused said he would not deny anything. He said he was rounding up the dairy herd of his employer. Mr. J. Crawley, when he observed the girl on the Great South Road. He proceeded toward her to inform her Mrs. Crawley wanted to speak to her, and when about 20 yards off the road assaulted the girl. A struggle ensued, during which he admitted he threatened to kill her if she did not keep quiet. He had, however, no firearm in his possession. When a roadman approached he made off through the paddocks. Accused was identified by the girl and the roadman at a parade this morning. The .police said the accused was placed under the Child Welfare Department several years ago when his mother was committed to a mental hospital. His father was dead. Mr. F. H. Levien, S.M., committed accused to the_Borstal for three years.