REFORMATIVE TERM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20493, 1 March 1941, Page 10

REFORMATIVE TERM

PRISONER’S INFIRMITY LOATH TO ADD BURDEN HIS HONOUR’S COMMENT “Your physical condition is such that it would make anyone loath to add to your burdens,” stated Mr. Justice Johnston in the Supreme Court yesterday when sentencing Pita Ngatiti. who had pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent assault on a female and who appeared in court with bandages round his face. A period of reformative detension was imposed, this not to exceed 12 months: Mr. A. A. Whitehead said that the circumstances were sufficiently revolting to give His Honour grave consideration. The accused’s physical infirmities would be such to cut him oil’ from society, especially feminine society. The little girl of four years apparently was not the exciting cause, and nprmrcntlv there was "o s-'-ious attempt to interfere with the girl. His Honour said that, taking all the facts into consideration, particularly the grave affliction, and also advice he had, it would be unwise for the prisoner to return to the district. In

his own interests it would be better to sentence him to a period of reformative detention, where he could be given medical attention. His Honour said he would write to the Minister of Justice asking that special attention should be given to the prisoner's case.