SOLDIER CHARGED
NOT GUILTY OF DESERTION
WHANGAREI, Wednesday. Charged before a court-martial in Whangarei with desertion by being absent Avithout leave from his unit from February 14, 1942, until admitted to a military annexe on-Septem-ber 30. Driver John Edward King pleaded not guilty. Addressing the Court Major Johnson, said the case was a most extraordinary one and the evidence disclosed serious discrepancies and mistakes in the unit administration. There was no evidence of desertion, although it was admitted that King had been absent without leave. The Court found King not guilty on the major part of the charge. Addressing the Court in mitigation of penalty concerning the .remainder of the charge, Major Johnson submitted that King had already suffered severe punishment in having a desertion charge over his head for 91 days and by not having had pay. It was not King's fault the mistakes had been made. As a volunteer it was unfortunate that he should have had such an experience. The Court's findings will be referred to the confirming officer.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 41, 18 February 1943, Page 6
Word Count
172SOLDIER CHARGED Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 41, 18 February 1943, Page 6
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