SERIOUS OFFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 22619, 10 April 1937, Page 16

SERIOUS OFFENCE

YOUNG MAN'S FOOLISHNESS V i"" l ' ASSAULTED SCHOOLGIRL “ This man is a menace to society,” said Chief-detective Young of Robert Lowe Gillen (20), who pleaded guilty in the Police Court this morning to a charge of assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl. “ Offences such as this are usually committed in isolated places, and might easily lead to more serious charges. There are far too many of these cases in New Zealand.” Giving the facts of the case, the Chief Detective said that the complainant was in High street at 10.30 p.m. yesterday, walking to the station to catch, a train to take her to her home. She was opposite the Police Station when the accused came up behind her, put his arm round her waist, and tried to throw her down. She struggled and broke away, but Gillen followed and repeated the act. At that time Detective Marsh was leaving the Police Station, and, seeing the struggle and thinking it was a fight between two men, went over to stop it. He then discovered the accused and the girl. Accused was taken to the station, where he said the girl was his sister and he was trying to stop her from getting away. Later he was confronted by the girl, and it was then found that she was a complete stranger to him. Gillen Was before the court on December 11 last for a similar offence. When asked if he had anything to say, Gillen stated he was sorry the offence had occurred. He had had some drink, and the act was more or less foolery on his part. He did not mean any harm. “ I agree with the chief detective that this is a serious offence,” remarked the magistrate (Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.), in remanding the accused in custody until Wednesday for a report from the probation officer.