PROBATION ALLOWED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20492, 28 February 1941, Page 3

PROBATION ALLOWED

OFFENCES AGAINST GIRL JURY’S RECOMMENDATION Probation for 18 months was the sentence passed on Walter James Thompson, aged 20, when he appeared before Mr. Justice Johnston in the Supreme Court to-day. Thompson had been found guilty on three charges of unlawful carnal, knowledge, i Mr. Burnard stressed the jury’s strong recommendation for mercy. His Honour said that carnal knowledge was a crime for which probation could not usually be granted, but [there were special, circumstances in ■this case. The jury, he thought, felt ■themselves bound to bring in a verdict |oX guilty, and the strong recommendation to mercy was no doubt because the jury would have excused him if lit possibly could have done so. The [probation officer’s report showed that jthe accused was hard-working arid [honest. It appeared that when he [was about 18 he became enamoured [with the girl, and at that time his intentions were honourable, i The accused was admitted to probation for 18 months.