ATTACK ON GIRL
Accused Given Four Years (N.Z Press Association) WELLINGTON, Nov. 24. A sentence of four years’ imprisonment for the attempted rape of an 11-year-old girl was imposed by Mr Justice Haslam in the Supreme Court at Wellington today on Desmond William John Earnshaw, aged 32. a driver. His Honour said that in view of Earnshaw’s detailed admissions to the police, he could not understand why he did not save the girl the ordeal of relating the story in Court. The effects of terror on the girl were obvious during the hearing, and time alone would tell how permanent they were. But it was in the accused’s favour that he eventually desisted and repented and admitted what he had done to the girl’s mother and to the police. His Honour said he was satisfied that when under the influence of drink the accused’s behaviour was likely to be unpredictable. Such a factor might explain his lapse, but it could not excuse it.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume C, Issue 29680, 25 November 1961, Page 10
Word Count
163ATTACK ON GIRL Press, Volume C, Issue 29680, 25 November 1961, Page 10
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