INSULTING WORDS

Evening Star, Issue 19063, 5 October 1925, Page 1

INSULTING WORDS

A DIFFICULT CASE DEFENDANT’S NAME SUPPRESSED. The mystery of tho “ why * was not' satisfactorily solved when the case of the young married man charged with using insulting words to, a respectabl® girl m Roslyri was resumed this morning in the Police Court. ' ’ ■ Mr J. M. Gillies, who appeared lor tho defence, pleaded, in mitigation of the offence, that tho defendant had never been previously before the court, and had always proved himself a good son and a splendid husband. He also had a creditable war record; had been decorated, and had received an excellent discharge. Tho defendant himself was at a loss to understand why he had acted as ho had. done; while his people were, naturally, much upset about the matter. Counsel suggested that, in view of the fact that defendant had been in custody since Friday, the court might see its way to convict him and order him to come up for sentence when called upon. Tho Probation Officer (Mr F. G. Gumming) said he had known. the defendant’s family since 1918, and could honestly say the man had, previous to this matter, borne a good character. He (Mr Gumming) was surprised when ho learned of the lapse. Tho Magistrate said that the medical report showed that defendant was not very strong mentally, and this appeared to bo tho only possible explanation of the occurrence. He would take into consideration tho report of tho probation officer and convict the defendant and order him to come up for sentence if called upon within six months, a condition being that he pay medical and other expenses amounting to £1 10s in all.

Air Gillies asked that publication of the defendant’s name bo prohibited. If this was an isolated case—and thero had been nothing to show otherwise—it would, said counsel, servo no good purpose to publish the name. Defendant’s relatives occupied a very worthy position in the community, and they, too, would bo punished. His Worship said that if there had been any suggestion by the police that the case was not an isolated one he would not consider the application for a moment. But in consideration of tho man’s mental condition, tho report, and the other circumstances ho would make an order prohibiting tho publication of tho name.