POLICE CRITICISED

Evening Star, Issue 23729, 9 November 1940, Page 10

POLICE CRITICISED

DELAY IN BRINGING MEN BEFDRE COURT DEPRIVED OF BAIL FOR DAY [Per United Press Association.] PALMERSTON NORTH, Nov. 9. Criticism of the methods adopted by the police in bringing arrested persons before the court was made by Mr Lawry, S.M., in a passage of words with Detective-sergeant Meiklejohn when the latter appeared for the police in the cases of two members of the Air Force who were remanded. The accused were Cecil Roy Plumb (26), a motor driver, who was charged with the unlawful using on a woman of a certain instrument with intent to procure a miscarriage, and also with disposing of the dead body of a child with intent to conceal the fact that the mother had been delivered of it; and Allen Basil Loveridge (27), motor mechanic, charged with the theft of £9O 10s and two gold rings. When Detective-sergeant Meiklejohn asked for the remand of Loveridge, the Magistrate asked if there was a warrant. Detective-sergeant Meiklejohn answered “ No.”

The Magistrate asked why the accused was not brought before the court when arrested, instead of being locked up. Detective-sergeant Meiklejohn replied that he had followed the usual procedure.

The Magistrate: I know it is usual—that is why I am taking exception to it. You deprived him of the right to apply for bail yesterday. The court was waiting from 2 to 5.30 yesterday, and you locked him up and went away.

Detective-sergeant Meiklejohn explained that the police staff was short-; handed. He was trying to do his best with the men available, and he took exception to the magistrate’s remarks. The Magistrate said his opinion was that the police had not done right by the accused.

Bail was granted Loveridge. Detective-sergeant Meiklejohn said Plumb was arrested on warrant.

The Magistrate observed that the warrant required the police to bring the accused before a justice of the peace, and he asked why accused was brought here instead of being taken before the nearest justice. Plumb was arrested near Bulls and should first have appeared there A man was supposed to be taken before a court at the first available opportunity. The police should try to get a justice of the peace as soon as possible.