UNWELCOME ADVANCES

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 26, 1 February 1932, Page 9

UNWELCOME ADVANCES

BY INFATUATED YOUTH

A MONTH IN GAOL

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

MAKTOjST, 29th January

"The behaviour of the accused sugr gests that if he is not effectively checked a tragedy will result on all fours with the recent Palmerston North case," said Constable Thompson, giving evidence this morning against William Alexander Smith, cnarged with a broach of a probation order.

On IGth December, said the constable, Smith appeared in Wanganui charged with assault on a young womau by holding her up for several hours with a loaded firearm. He was dealt with leniently, being convicted and released on 18 months' probation, one of the express conditions of which was that ho would not go near the home of the young woman concerned. The girl and her father had later moved to Marton. On Monday night the accused visited the home of the girl and insisted on seeing her, threatening the father. The young man was desperately in love with the girl, and the police feared that he would do her injury.

"JTo doubt at one time you and the girl were very friendly," said the Magistrate, "but the girl and her parents have the right to be free from molestation. That is the law built up for the well-being of all. You have broken your probation, and that I cannot permit."

In sentencing Smith to 28 days' imprisonment, the Magistrate advised him to lenrn to control himself. If he again forced his, attentions upon the girl the penalty would be increased.