FATHER GAOLED

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28131, 21 November 1956, Page 10

FATHER GAOLED

Daughter Indecently Assaulted (New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, November 20. A father, charged with indecently assaulting his 14-year-old daughter, was sent to gaol for three years when he appeared for sentence before Mr L. M. Inglis, S.M., in the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court today. His name was suppressed. Counsel for the father said the wife regarded the offence as being completely out of character. She wanted him back, and had no intention of doing anything to disturb the marriage.

His wife also made a plea for her husband from the back of the Court. She asked that her husband be returned to the family as quickly as possible. She said both she and the children wanted him back. No physical damage had been done to the girl, and the girl herself wanted her father back.

It was the second offence recently, the Magistrate said, that involved fathers interfering with their children. and it was a heinous offence. He fully realised, he said, that the wife did not want the home broken up. but if her husband went back now. the children would either believe that such things were not serious, or they would despise their father. “You cannot go without imprisonment,” he said, “it is too serious. I am fully aware of all the tragic circumstances, and I have made inquiries as to whether there is any other institution to which I might send you. There is none. Your children are now more important than you are, and you must not be allowed near your home for some time to come.”