STRIKES TERROR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 235, 4 October 1937, Page 5

STRIKES TERROR.

DREADED SENTENCE. HABITUAL CRIMINAL HEALTHY DETERRENT EFFECT. (From Oor Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, October 1. Within the past three months at the quarter sessions, Judge Curie wis "made history for the Darlinghuret Criminal Courts" by declaring no less than 20 different prisoners "habitual criminals."

Among these was a woman—the second to be declared an "habitual" in New South Wales. The youngest of the group was a boy of 16, who earned this distinction by escaping from custody and house breaking. There were two others still in their 'teens—one 18, one 19 years old, and the ages ranged up to 55. They were thus a decidedly mixed lot, and Judge Curlewis explained that he treated them all in the same way because he has found that with men and women who have become to some extent hardened in crime, ordinary gaol sentences are not a deterrent, for "a few days after their release many of those familiar with the life of the gaol again lapse into crime." Starting Anew. It is in the hope of reforming such criminals, or at least giving them the chance of starting life anew, that the "habitual criminal" sentence was devised. What distinguishes the "habitual" from other criminals is that there is no set period, for his detention in gaol. [Unless his record shows in some degree Igood conduct, diligence and a desire to [improve morally, he may be kept for an indefinite number of months or years in prison.

In the slang of the underworld, a "habitual criminal" sentence is known as a "Kathleen Mavourneen" because in the words of the famous song, "it may be for years and it may be for ever." * This doubt and uncertainty about the termination of the sentence seem* to.

prey upon the mind of the man who has lost his liberty, and this is why the "habitual" sentence strikes terror into the mina of even the most hardened wrongdoer.

Certain Privileges. It is true that while working out his sentence the "habitual" enjoys certain advantages and privileges not accorded to the average prisoner. He is conceded a higher scale of earning for his labour than is granted to the ordinary criminal, and he has in addition the privilege of purchasing little luxuries such as are unattainable by the other inmates of the gaol.

But once he is inside the prison walls the man's future—including the length of his incarceration—depends wholly upon himself. If he gives proof to the gaol authorities that he is anxious to become a decent member of society he may be released in a short time—he may not even be called upon to complete the sentence already imposed by the Court.

Unless he shows the desire and the will to reform he will not be released, and if, having been released, he falls from grace again, he can be committed once more to serve the whole sentence and to face the prospect of an "indeterminate" life in gaol. So far the "habitual" sentence has had a healthy deterrent effect, and it seems likely to be used here much more frequently in future.