ATTACK ON CHILD

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30156, 13 June 1963, Page 7

ATTACK ON CHILD

Soldier Given 10 Years

(N Z Press Assodatton)

WELLINGTON, June 12

. A sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment was imposed by Mir Justice Haslam in the Supreme Court this morning, on Anthony Thomas Dolden, aged 20, a soldier, who was found guilty by a jury last month of the attempted murder, at Kilbirnie on February 18, of Sally Esther Harvey, aged three. On behalf of Dolden, Mr F. ,D. O’Flynn said that, although 'he was legally responsible for his actions, he was morally less responsible than a normal person would be. He was mentally deficient to the point of subnormality. Although there Was apparently no motive for the crime it was never disputed that Dolden knew what he was doing and was fully responsible for his Honour said.

He had heard Dolden give evidence in chambers and, unfortunately, he could find no sign of pity or repentance on his part. The doctors advised that his dispositions were dangerous and anti-social and the public had to be protected. That meant a long sentence and the doctors said that the one hope of reform lay in the regular routine of a penal institution until he 'was older.