MENACE TO THE COMMUNITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1919, Page 2

MENACE TO THE COMMUNITY.

! EXEMPLARY PUNISHMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 21. The exemplary sentence of live years' imprisonment was imposed this morning on John Daviui, who was chargeu at the Supreme Court before Mr Justice Stringer with committing an indecent asasuit upon a little girl, aged 8J years. "l'ou have been convicted of a very serious offence, committed with deliberation," said His Honor iu (passing sentence. "It i sdeplorable that little children Bhould be liable to maltreatment by men of your stamp, The frequency of such cases, especially in this district, leads me to think that judges should take into serious consideration whether they shall not take advantage of the powers they possess and administer an addition to imprisonment the punishment of flogigng. Judges are naturally reluctant to impose such brutalising punishment, but if it is not possible for children to travel along public roads in safety, something must be done to deter such men as you. Ido "fit intend to order flogging in your case. I merely throw out the suggestion as X warning. When you committed the offence you may have been to some extent under the influence of liquor, but the evidence shows premeditation. I should not be justified in sentencing yon to other than a long term of imprisonment which will at any rate free the roads of you. The sentence of the court is that you be imprisoned for five | years."