SERIOUS OFFENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 114, 16 May 1929, Page 27

SERIOUS OFFENCE.

OLD MAN SENTENCED. THREE YEARS FOR INDECENT ACT. Sentence of three years with hard labour was imposed on Alexander Paton (02) in the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon by Mr. Justice Herdman for indecent assault. Mr. M. Adams said the prisoner was 02 years of age, had been in New Zealand 40 years and never been in trouble before. It was regrettable that he should be involved at his age in such a case. Counsel appealed to his Honor to take into consideration the recommendation of the jury to mercy. ' His Honor said he had considered the recommendation of the jury, and there was a statement by the police which showed that accused's intellect was not particularly strong. No suggestion was made, however, that Paton did not understand the nature of the offence when he committed it. He had committed the offence on a small girl—almost an infant, tampering with though not injuring her. "Unfortunately these cases are too common in the community, and I have a duty to perform to the public, and my business is to see that young children are protected." Some people thought that prisoners of Paton's type should be treated as hospital patients, but his Honor did not hold that view. Criminal punishment was designed to preserve order and decency. The offence was serious and it would be treated as such. Paton would be required to serve three years' imprisonment, and while in prison prisoner could be medically examined and treated if necessary.