Jarden given chance of ‘clean break’

Press, 21 October 1989, Page 7

Jarden given chance of ‘clean break’

Kevin Moana Jarden, aged 43, was yesterday given what was termed the opportunity of a “clean break” from Kelly Skinley, aged 17, whom he had been charged with abducting several times. Jarden’s counsel, Mr Erno Bedo, in the District Court yesterday successfully sought his discharge on a charge of assaulting Miss Skinley last March 20.

The discharge was not opposed by the Crown and was granted by Judge Hattaway. Made under Section 347 of the Crimes Act, it is equivalent to an acquittal. The assault charge arose from one of the alleged incidents of abduction of Miss Skinley by Jarden.

On Monday, at a depositions hearing, Jarden was discharged on four counts of abduction after Miss Skinley had refused to testify against him.

The Crown had then

withdrawn a further three charges against Jarden, arising from an alleged attempted abduction of Miss Skinley on Thursday last week — four days before the depositions hearing. At that hearing the Crown had sought Jarden’s remand to yesterday on the charge of assault. Mr Brent Stanaway, for the Crown, said yesterday the Crown did not oppose the defence application for a discharge. It saw no point in proceeding with the charge as Miss Skinley, the complainant, had refused to give evidence in Other charges against Jarden, and had previously given evidence on his behalf.

He said the discharge would give Jarden the opportunity of a clean break. There was now no need for them to have contact. Miss Skinley’s expressed desire was to be left alone and Jarden had promised to do so.