GIRL WAS TEMPTRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 929, 24 March 1930, Page 1

GIRL WAS TEMPTRESS

"MORE SINNED AGAINST THAN SINNING” A VERY UNUSUAL CASE “The girl, though only 14, was ripe in knowledge, and she tempted you whom I consider have had sufficient punishment.” Thus, Mr. Justice Ostler in the Supreme Court today, in convicting and ordering John Hogg to come up for sentence if called upon for unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 16. Prisoner was also ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution. Pleading for the prisoner, Mr. Singer said Hogg had an excellent character until the present, and had never been charged with any offence. A married man, with a wife and child, Hogg had a splendid record during eight years in the navy and in other jobs. He had become a taxi-driver, and had paid £9O off the car he had purchased. The girl unquestionably appeared to be a mature young woman of 17, and if not in age, certainly in knowledge. The depositions certainly showed the type of girl she was, said counsel. “One might fairly say the prisoner was sought out by the girl,” said Mr. Singer. “If there ever was a case in which the man was initially more sinned against than sinning, it was this,” he added. Counsel directed his Honour’s attention to the report of the probation officer, who recommended Hogg should not be sent to gaol. His Honour remarked it was very unusual to grant probation or anything other than gaol for such offences, as it was important for girls to be protected. This was a very unusual case, however.