UNNATURAL OFFENCE

Evening Star, Issue 22956, 13 May 1938, Page 8

UNNATURAL OFFENCE

THREE AND A-HALF YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT “ This is one of these tragic cases of a man of excellent character reaching middle-age and then ruining his record with the happenings of a few minutes,” stated Air C. J. L. White in the Supreme Court to-day on behalt of John Bond (49), wljo appeared tor sentence on a charge of committing an unnatural offence upon a boy of 13. Bond’s life had been one long struggle, added counsel. His father died when' he was young, and he became the sole support of his mother. He was a delicate child, and commenced to take physical culture courses, subsequently achieving some eminence in sport. At one time he was an Otago representative Rugby player. Ho had been employed as a linesman at Waipori by the City Council for a number of years. Counsel told the court that he had suggested tp the prisoner that he should be medically examined, but Bond was opposed to it. “ I am sure your Honour will sentence this man more in pity than in anger,” concluded Air White. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr F. B. Adams) said that Bond had not been before the court previously for any serious offence. Though of strong physical build, he did not appear to be very strong mentally. His character as a linesman had been good, according to the police report. A sentence of three years and six months’ imprisonment was passed by Mr Justice Kennedy.