MAN ADMITS GUILT

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 25 May 1932, Page 9

MAN ADMITS GUILT

FALSE DECLARATION.

CABKAE KNOWLEDGE CHARGES.

(By Telegraph—Special to “The Star. ') NEW PLYMOUTH, May 25. The trial of F'rancis Michael Landers, of Kaupokonui, on charges alleging carnal knowledge, indecent assault and the making of a false declaration under the Marriage Act, was commenced in the New Plymouth Supreme Court to-day. A plea of guilty was made only to the charge of a false declaration, but later accused asked, and was granted, leave to amend his plea to one of guilty to the charge of carnal knowledge. On his behalf Counsel said he was a man of good family and had no previous convictions, and he therefore asked that in all the circumstances the court would deal as leniently as possible. His Honour said he thought the accused was well advised to plead guilty on his own statement and that of his wife. He thought the jury would have to convict him. It was true that he had done everything possible to remedy the offence, but the fact of marrying a girl in such circumstances did not wipe out the original offence. He therefore proposed to deal leniently with the prisoner and ordered him to come up for sentence if called on within 12 months and to pay £2O towards the cost of the prosecution within one month.