Maternity ward assaults

Press, 26 November 1982, Page 26

Maternity ward assaults

PA Palmerston North Pregnant women were too scared to speak or cry out when a man trespassed in the maternity ward of the Palmerston North Hospital and indecently assaulted them, the District Court at Palmerston North was told. Joseph Edward Henry, aged 19, an unemployed wood-carver, pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent

assault on females, and one to being found without reasonable excuse in the hospital on November 7. David Pamata, aged 18, an unemployed freezing worker, who entered the hospital with Henry and went to sleep in a waiting room, pleaded guilty to a charge of trespass. Judge Satyanand convicted and remanded both men for

reports and sentence to November 29. Pamata was released on bail of $2OO, and Henry on bail of $750. Evidence was given that the men were seen trying to enter the hospital at 5 a.m. on November 7. Pamata went to sleep and Henry wandered about the maternity ward, where he was discovered by hospital staff at 6 a.m.