CHARGE OF ESCAPING FROM HOME
Retired Civil Servant Before Court
(By Telegraph—Press Association.)
AUCKLAND, April 24.
Arrested in Auckland today on a charge of escaping yesterday from the Roto Roa Inebriates’ Home, Paul Desire Nestor Verschaffelt, aged 52, retired civil servant, appeared in the Magistrates’ Court before Mr. Molding, S.M. Mr. Noble appeared for Verschaffelt, who pleaded not guilty. “There is an important legal point involved,” said counsel, in applying for bail. “Verschaffelt was sent from Wellington to Roto Roa for two years, and later was transferred to Auckland prison, where he remained six weeks. A writ 'of habeas corpus was obtained in the -Supreme Court and'the judge ordered Verschaffelt to be immediately released from prison. He voluntarily returned to Roto Roa. The point now is whether he is being legally detained on the island. We contend the Supreme Court order cancels the whole period of detention. This is not a matter for your Worship. I merely mention it in applying for bail. -Verschaffelt: On the advice of a very eminent gentleman I returned to Roto Roa for a few days. I contend, sir,- that I am not legally detained The magistrate granted a remand till Monday, Verschaffelt to remain at the police station till the boat sailed for Roto Roa in the evening.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19410426.2.30
Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 179, 26 April 1941, Page 7
Word Count
214CHARGE OF ESCAPING FROM HOME Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 179, 26 April 1941, Page 7
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