CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4239, 2 August 1882, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

Taesday. A young man named Thos. E. Roberts was charged at the B.M. Court yesterday with having committed rape on a girl 15 years old, in Hagley Park, on the 21st ultimo. The accused pleaded not guilty. Mr Joynt defended. It appeared that the prosecutrix and her cousin (female) went out on an errand on Thursday week last, and while in town met tiro young men, one being the accused. An acquaintance was struck up. The young men escorted them home, and arrangements weie made for an appointment next night. Friday night came, and each party met and proceeded towards Hagley Park. Arrived there, a conversation took place, and it was arranged to separate, the prosecutrix and her companion going one way, and her cousin and companion another. The accused and prosecutrix entered the Park. It was alleged in evidence that the offence was then committed; the proseoutrix declaring that it was without her consent or will. She then went home, and next day told all to her .mother and also to her father, who caused the accused to be arrested when he visited the house on the following Tuesday night in pursuance of an appointment prosecutrix said she had made to deliver accused into her father's hands. During the cross-examination, which was to ascertain whether the girl was a consenting party or not, prosecutrix hesitated a great deal while giving evidence. The Magistrates expressed their opinion that there was no case to send to the higher Court, and discharged accused.