A COURT-MARTIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1916, Page 2

A COURT-MARTIAL.

SAPPER CHARGED WITH DESERTION'. A court-martial was held at Narrow Neck Camp on Tuesday to deal with 4/1444 Sappei Michael Lealiey, of the New Zealand Tuiinellingn Corps, who was Charged with having deserted from his Majesty's forces by having absented himself from the Avondale camp on Decern; 'ber 17 last, and remaining away until apprehended at Makaraka, Gisborne, on May 25. He pleaded not guilty, saying that he desired to make a statement as to his reasons for desertion. In his evidence', Leahey stated that lie had left the camp because he was suffering from a contagious disease, and did not wish to endanger his companions. In the iirst place, he had not intended to desert, but his visits to doctors and chemists seemed of no avail. He had hoped to get better and go back to camp, but he did not improve. Captain Pullen pointed out to Leahey that if he persisted in his denial of intention to desert it would, involve a el)arge of "desertion when under orders to proceed on active service," a much more serious offence. Colonel Turner explained the position to the prisoner, .vho thereupon decided to withdraw his statement. He expresed his regret that his actions had brougljt <Jn all the trouble.. He had been locked up for eight days in Gisbornc, and after arrival in Auckland had been sent to the Christcluirch hospital, where,he had been conlincd for three months. In reply to questions, Lealiey said lie would like to' be allowed to go to the front. The. public proceedings then terminated, The decision of the court will be communicated to the officer commanding the district.