SIX MONTHS’ GAOL

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30472, 20 June 1964, Page 17

SIX MONTHS’ GAOL

Reckless Use Of Explosive

Mr Justice Wilson in the Supreme Court yesterday sentenced Albert Bernard- Duke, aged 21, a quarry worker, to six months* imprisonment. A jury on Tuesday found Duke (Mr R. G. Blunt) guilty of reckless disregard for the safety of others when on February 17 he placed seven sticks of gelignite, detonators and fuse beside a house at 9 Convoy street

Mr I. C. J. Polson appeared for the Crown. Mr Blunt said that on the night of February 17 Duke was involved in three skirmishes and was knocked out in one of them. In his background of offences there was only one other of a similar nature—assault with intent to injure. Duke had made a better effort than other members of his family, he said. It was a matter of concern that this was the second occasion on which Duke, . had sought to revenge himself. His Honour said the offence was committed when Duke was on probation. It was not the first time Duke had used violence to appease his wounded pride. On the last occasion he took the law into his own hands the Court treated him leniently.

His Honour said he would take into account Duke’s youth an'd the fact that he did not think Duke was bad at heart. However, Duke needed a sharp lesson to teach him that nobody had the right to take the law into his own hands if he received insult Or offence from others. His Honour said it was with some reluctance that he sent Duke to prison.