A KISS IN THE DARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 76, 30 March 1928, Page 3

A KISS IN THE DARK.

PALMERSTON GIRL'S EXPERIENCE. INTRUDER CHARGED WITH BREAKING AND ENTERING. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

Before Messrs. F. Aislier and S. Abrahams, J.P.'s, in ttie Palmerston North Magistrate's Court, Stephen Gough, of Palmerston North, appeared in answer to a charge of breaking and entering the house of Mr. F. Harris, in Butt Street, with intent to commit a crime.

Evidence was given by Frederick Harris, that in the early hours of March 25 he had been awakened by his daughter calling out that there was a man in her room, and on investigating lie had found that the man had gone. Witness had chased the intruder down the street and had caught him and brought him back. Accused was drunk at the time. Witness had known accused for years, and he had often visited the house.

Freda Haris, daughter of the previous witness, stated that aliout 1 a.m. on the morning of March 26 she had been awakened by someone kissing her. She had at first thought that it was her sister, but when she had put out her hand she had found that the intruder was a man. She had called out, and the accused, whom she recognised as he got out of the window, had picked up his shoes and had made off. Witness could give no reason for accused's visit, but she did not think that aeoused had any criminal intent. Iff fact, she had always thought that accused was a straightforward man. Certainly he had bad too much liquor on that night.

Mr. Cooper, for the defence, submitted that the case was one which should be dismissed. Accused had been charged with breaking and entering to commit a crime, but the evidence all went to show that he had not the slightest intention of committing a crime when he broke into the house.

The Bench considered that there was a case to go to the jury. "Either the grand jury can throw the bill out," they replier "or the common jury can find your client not guilty, If your submissions are correct."

Accused pleaded not guilty, be was committed to the Supreme Court for trial, bail being allowed in £100 in self and one surety of £100.