Magisterial.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 6203, 25 February 1904, Page 3

Magisterial.

ASUBURTON—THURSDAY. (Before Hia Worship the Mayor and Mr E. A1 corn, J.'sP.) INTiHCIENT AND WILFUL EXPOfeURE. Two young m«n, named Thomas fcott and Thi>rn»s Bennett, were charged with wilfully behaving m an indecent manner m a public place, viz., the Ashburton Domain Swimming Bath?, on the afternoon of Monday last The prisoner Scott pleaded " N Tot Guilty," and Kranett" Guilty," both e'ecting to have the cases donlt with summarily. Sergeant Barlow, who conducted the prosecution, called four young girls of from 11 to 14 years of age, who gavo evidence that they went to tho Domain Baths ot ■i o'clock on Mondiy afternoon for a bathe, when they wore no'osted by the prisoner Bennett (tho elder of the accused), who made certain improper proposals to them— both men indecently exposing themselves to the girls. Bennett stated that he was passing the swimming baths m compaty with Scott, and suggested that both should have a bathe. He was not aware that the girls were present, and ho admitted committing an improper act m a public place, when the girls suddenly came upon him. Scott denied having been guilty of indecent exposure. The Bench said they were satisfied that the offence had been committed by the prisoners, the fact being abundantly supported by the straight forward evidence given by the girls. Keunett appeared to be the most guilty of tho two, aDd he would *be sentenced to two mouths' imprisonment and Scott to one month. Their Worships expressed the hope that the sentence m each case would have a salutory effect. Disgraceful conduct of this sort on the part of young meu could not be overlooked.