WOMAN SENTENCED FOR MANSLAUGHTER

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22464, 27 July 1938, Page 9

WOMAN SENTENCED FOR MANSLAUGHTER

REFORMATIVE DETENTION FOR THREE YEARS (mis aifocnnoa ulimih-) July 26. When Hazel Frances Evans, aged 21, found guilty last week of manslaughter in respect of the death of her infant child near Dargaville. came before Mr Justice Fair in the Supreme Court to-day for sentence, counsel, Mr R. Singer, suggested that for any period of detention which wight be imposed upon the prisoner, she might be committed to a home where she would be under strict supervision and receive a wholesome training. . ... His Honour said it was impossible for him to take any course other than to impose a sentence of imprisonment It was a pitiful case and he realised that the prisoner had committed tne crime largely through her own weakness. Even in such circumstances a substantial term of imprisonment must be imposed to meet the crime of taking human life and he was obliged to impose a sentence of three years reformative detention. He would, however, he said, add to the sentence a recommendation as suggested by Mr Singer that she be detained in the Point Halswell Home where she might be trained and have her character strengthened.