YOUNG GIRLS ASSAULTED

Grey River Argus, 5 March 1937, Page 9

YOUNG GIRLS ASSAULTED

MEN GET PROBATION PRECOCITY QUESTION. (Per Press Association.) WESTPORT, March 4. Desirability of responsible citizens having some knowledge of th e tacts of a case involving sexual precoei ) on the part of a young girl, in order to prevent an increase of any tendency in this direction, was stressed by his Honour, Mr Justice Northcroft, in the Supreme Court to-day, when directing the Grand Jury in charges against two young men, involving offences against two young girls. Justice Northcroft declined a request from the parents and the guardians of the girls concerned, to clear the public from the court during the case. The judge stated that, in his opinion, the public should know all about these transactions. These matters should be brought into the open, and dealt with.

THE CASES. WESTPORT, March 4. In the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr Justice Northcroft, William Shepherd -was charged with indecent assault and with attempted carnal knowledge against a girl over the age of 12, but under the age of 16. Richard Galway was charged with carnal knowledge and attempted carnal knowledge and indecent assault, with respect to th e same girl, and also with attempted carnal knowledge and indecent assault on a second girl. Shepherd was admitted to twelve months’ probation, and Galway to two years’ probation. His Honour intimated that, in regard to Galway, he had taken into con. sideration the fact that Galway had spent nine weeks in Paparua Prison.