Gaol Sentences For War Demonstrators
(New Zealand Press Association)
AUCKLAND, April 10.
Warwick Trevor Graham, aged 21, a fitter, and William James Lee, also 21, an apprentice fitter, were sentenced to four months and two months imprisonment respectively in the Supreme Court at Auckland this afternoon by Mr Justice Speight for their involvement in an incident during the demonstration against the Vietnam war in Paritai Drive, Auckland, last October.
Both were appearing for sentence on charges of assault with intent to Injure.
The judge said he accepted that the offences had been brought about by the emotional state the two had worked themselves into.
They had been taking part
in a demonstration, brought about by the particular views they held, and were entitled to hold, on a matter of intense public interest They were also entitled to proclaim their views, provided they did so in recognised standards of decent behaviour, said the judge. “But it is necessary to realise that freedom should not be abused,” he added. “In my view, they have stepped so far over the borderline that a monetary penalty is inappropriate.” The judge noted the jury’s strong recommendation for mercy for Lee, but said his actions had been hotheaded.
Gaol Sentences For War Demonstrators
Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31652, 11 April 1968, Page 22
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