CHARGES OF RAPE

Press, Issue 32345, 10 July 1970, Page 7

CHARGES OF RAPE

Youths For Trial

“These defendants acted like animals and should be treated so. During the hearing they continually laughed and joked and thought it was funny. This is a serious charge and in the public interest bail is opposed by the police,” said Sergeant W. W. Maloney in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. He was opposing bail for four youths charged with raping a 17-year-old schoolgirl at Jellie Park on May 30. The youths, who were committed to the Supreme Court for trial after the taking of depositions before Messrs P. A. Le Brun and F. W. Zimmerman. Justices of the Peace, all pleaded not guilty. During the hearing, which began on Wednesday and ended yesterday, 18 witnesses were called. Mr L. G. Holder, who sought bail for the defendants, represented Darryl William Davies, aged 17, a painter. Geoffrey Raymond Laird, aged 19, and Kenneth

„ , . - • -Jneu Sydney Johns, aged 18, both labourers, were represented by Mr J. E. Butler. Brian Cyril Hoare, aged 17, unemployed, was represented by Mr M. J. Glue.

It would be a vast and terrible injustice if the defendants were not allowed bail,” said Mr Holder. “I understand the Supreme Court would not be ready un-

■ til at least September.'This would mean that If the defendants were not granted bail they would be in custody for at least two months. If, after the trial, they were acquitted, they would have been deprived of their liberty for two months," said Mr Holder. “They’re aged between 17 i and 19 and have pleaded not guilty. They have answered to bail today, and his Wor-I ship, Mr Brown, considered! this a primary consideration! when he granted bail before* the hearing. It isn't rape until they are convicted. They; stand innocent. “Nor have they acted like! animals. They have not acted' at all until they’ve been con-1 victed. I accept the fact that the public interest must be I protected, but there is no sug- ! gestion that the youths are! habitual rapists and that if granted bail would go out! and commit a crime of rape." said Mr Holder. “They do each have a number of previous convictions! and their conviction cards could be produced in Court,”! said Sergeant Maloney. After a short consultation j the Justices refused bail. Mr Holder said that he would! apply to the Supreme Court: for a reversal of the order. '