SERIOUS CHARGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 123, 26 May 1932, Page 10

SERIOUS CHARGE.

TARANAKI MAN PLKADS GUILTY. MARRIED TO GIRL OF FIFTEEN. (Ey Telegraph.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday. A case with unusual features came before Mr. Justice Reed in the Supremo Court. Francis Michael Landers, of Kaupokonui, was charged with making a false declaration tinder the Marriage Act for the purpose of enabling him to marry a girl aged 15 years without the consent of her parents. Ho was married to her at the registrar's office, and subsequently they remarried in a Roman Catholic church, the second ceremony being with tho consent of the girl's parents. Accused had pleaded guilty to the charge. A charge of alleged unlawful carnal knowledge had been rejected by justices at tho hearing in the Lower Court, and accused was committed on the charge relating to the false declaration. The rejected charge had, however, been reinstated, and a further alternative charge of indecent assault added. Those matters were the subject of comment and an application by counsel before the jury was empanelled. Counsel said the Attorney-General had interested himself in the matter, and at his direction, or with his consent, the rejected charge had been reinstated and other charges added. Counsel submitted that as the charge in tho indictment was not grounded on anything on sworn depositions the count ought to be quashed. His Honor said he could not quash it at the moment, but if when the evidence was heard it could be shown to be inadmissible he could withdraw the matter from the jury or direct them to find a verdict for accused. The trial then proceeded on the charges relating to carnal knowledge or indecent assault, a pica of guilty being taken on the third count relating to the charge of a false declaration. Subsequently accused asked for and was granted leave to amend his plea to one of guilty to tho charge of carnal knowledge. His Honor said he thought accused well advised to plead guilty, as on his own statement and that of his wife his Honor thought the jury would have to convict him. It was true that accused had done everything possible to remedy the offence, but the fact of marrying a girl in such circumstances did not wipe out the original offence. The judge therefore proposed to deal leniently with the prisoner. He ordered him to come tip for sentence if called on within 12 months, and pay £20 towards the cost of the prosecution.