POLICE COURT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 June 1924, Page 5

POLICE COURT.

A SERIOUS CHARGE. At NeAv Plymouth a- charge of incest was preferred before Mr A. M. Mowyesterday morning against Robert Ballantyne Barnett: The information had been laid against “Robert James Barnett,” but Detective-Ser-geant Cooney put in a certificate showlng that the name should be Robert Ballantyne Barnett, and it was amended accordingly. I u reply to the Magistrate, Sergeant Cooney said that he did not think it was really a Question of an alias. There Avere two charges against -the accused of committing incest with his daughter, aged 14 years 9 months, one occurrence being alleged to have taken place on April 9 and the other on or about April 28. ' Detective-Sergeant Cooney, outlining the circumstances, said that the girl concerned hacl been living with her parents in New Plymouth, but since February had been living with, someone else in the toAvn. On occasions she visited her parents’ home. Although only two incidents were mentioned in the charges, the girl w ould sav' that intercourse had occurred on \other occasions. Evidence was given by the girl, her employer, a caller at the house on April 28 (or the day of the alleged occurlence near then), a doctor, and Detec-tiv-Sergeant Cooney. In a statement made to Detecti\'eSergeant Cooney the accused set out that he had objected strongly to his daughter joining the Salvation Army. She had done so about nine months ago, and had a religious mania. The accused, for Avhom Mr C. H Weston appeared, pleaded not guilty to each charge, and reserved his defence. He Avas committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supnne Court at New Plymouth, opening on August Bail Avas granted in self £3OO and two sureties of £l5O, the Magistrate making a condition that betAA’een hoav and the trial the girl should remain "here now staying, and not have any association Avith her parents.—Herald.