FOUR YEARS’ GAOL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21177, 29 July 1940, Page 8

FOUR YEARS’ GAOL

ASSAULT ON HINDU YOUNG MAORI SENTENCED JUDGE COMMENDS VERDICT (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Monday The young Maori, John Kite, who was found guilty that with intent to do grievous bodily harm lie assaulted a Hindu, Rama Khushal, near Huntly, causing actual bodily harm, was sentenced by Mr Justice Callan in the Supreme Court to four years’ imprisonment with hard labour. A plea for accused was made by Mr Hall Skelton, who said Kite’s people declared he was only 18 years old, though he had said he was 23. At the time of the assault Kite was under the influence of drink, and had a sudden brainstorm. His Honour said he was glad the jury had disagreed on the manslaughter count, for in his view there was a distinct hiatus in the chain of evidence on that, but he felt the verdict on the assault charge was justified. The Court had to consider the public. It was obvious that prisoner was a powerful young man. He had several times struck the Hindu, who 4 was described as a poor weakling, inflicting very grave injuries. His Honour said he was quite sure the Maori people understood the gravity of the offence, and that decent Maoris disapproved of such conduct.