A PLEA OF GUILTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1919, Page 6

A PLEA OF GUILTY.

CAN IT BE ALTERED! By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night The case of William Keyland and Klisabr-th Key land, who were previously before the Supreme Court, having pleaded guilty before a Magistrate to the charge of withholding the necessaries of life front theier son Frank, an imbecile, again came before Judge Hosking yesterday. On the previous occasion the Judge had said that from reading the depositions he was not satisfied that th<> plea of guilty was justified. _ Legal argument took place yesterday us to whether the law permitted a plea to be altered or withdrawn. His Honor said the point, was an impo; t-ant one, and had caused judges anxiety in the past. It might, perhaps, be n wise pours? to pass m> sentence and to let matters stand It would be a peculiar proceeding if accused were sent to prison for an offence which was not supported by facts. Counsel formally moved to have the committal for sentence quashed, and outlined the faets of the ease. He said there were no signs of ill-treatment, and the son was well nourished. Had full investigations been made at the time the present proceedings jvould never have been commenced. Witnesses wWo called to stow that the son waa treated in the same way as th.' other members of the family. The Judge adjourned the case to give the constable cr.nee'me-l an opportunity of being present. He would consult his t>rothpr judges on the lcsral points raised when the CouTt of Appeal sat