Bag hurled at judge

Press, 8 September 1982, Page 7

Bag hurled at judge

PA Auckland An unemployed stripper hurled a handbag at a District Court Judge this week after being sentenced to four months imprisonment. The handbag missed the Judge, and the court clerk, and crashed against the front of the bench. Sharlene Cassandra Henare, aged 23, of Otara, was appearing for sentence before Judge Mahony in the District Court at Auckland.

Earlier, she had pleaded guilty to two charges of theft, to two charges of offering her body for the purpose of prostitution, and to one count of false pretences. Mr John Gerard, counsel for Henare, submitted that she had to face some penalty, but should not be deprived of her liberty. The Judge said he could not think of any effective course which would help Henare. “But I can put you beyond the reach of further

offending - for a period at least.” He said it was with regret that he found himself having to adopt such a course. The Judge told Henare: “You can’t go on living the rest of your life the way you are.” Henare threw her handbag at the Judge as he finished pronouncing sentence. The Judge made no further comment. Court officials picked up the handbag and led Henare from the court.