A “PEEPING TOM”

Grey River Argus, 10 November 1931, Page 2

A “PEEPING TOM”

John Henry Edward Smith, a young man, pleaded guilty to a charge that on October 22, he was found without lawful excuso, but in circumstances not disclosing the commission or intention to commit any other offence, in the enclosed yard of premises occupied by Norm a McNeill. Hall Street, Cobden. The Senior-Sergeant said that on two occasions, at night, defendant went on to the premises, attracted by the light from a window. The blind wa* up and it was the kitchen window. He went up just to see wha.'t he could see. The second time he made a noise and the woman went out to see what it was and recognised him. Defendant later admitted the offence to the constable.’ 1 ‘Have you anything to say?” asked the Magistrate. Defendant: Nothing, except that I don ’ll know what made me act like I did. The Senior-Sergeant said there was ' nothing previously known against ! Smi‘ h. The Magistrate said the offence was a stupid one. To look into a kitchen might not have been likely to lead io any serious result, but people could no* be hanging around houses, looking in‘o windows and so on. and acting like 11 Peeping Tom.” That must be put down. Defendant had no right to be in the enclosed yard. As nothing previously was known against Smith, he would be treated leniently on this oci casion. He would be convicted and or- | dcred to come up for sentence if called upon within twelve months.