A HEAVY SENTENCE

Grey River Argus, 5 February 1908, Page 3

A HEAVY SENTENCE

WELLINGTON,, Feb "4. # At the Supreme Court this morn 1 ing before Justice Edward a frail look ing youth "named James Henry Sergeant was found' guilty of stealing a horse, saddle, and bridle, and breakin and entering and was sentenced to six years.

Asked why sentence should not be passed, prisoner replied — "1 am only ai year s of age, although as Mr Toley (Crown- Prosecutor J says 1 have served sentence of seven years on 13 charges of arson. I am penniless, character less, and bankrupt in health. I can only throw myself upon the mercy of the Court. I_have certainly no r. mg to urge in extenuation, but at the same time the sentence just served in jail has done nothing for the good of society or myself. I fail to see how such a long sentence on this occasion will degood either to self or society. "His honor-expressed the opinion that the sentence had done a great deal of good to society, which must be protected. It was absolutely necessary to put the prisoner out of the way where society would not b,e troubled. Throughout the proceedings the pri s oner conducted his own case with great coolness. He addressed the jury fluently and at great length. Cross examined by tHe Crown the prisoner showed pleasure at his previous achievements and explained to the Court that he did not pose as a model of virtue. At the Suprisme Court to-day Jollm Nioffeltt and Charles Mack iwere charged with breakinig anld . eai-terang a,nd ■tlhefit.. 'Mack <was scnteavcixl to two •year's imprisonment and -NofFeitst to two years and declared to be a halbi-t-ual criminal.