SUPREME COURT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 59, 9 February 1925, Page 11

SUPREME COURT.

CRIMINAL CAL ENDAR. At the Supremo Court on Saturday afternoon the trial took place,of Richard George Miles, who was charged that, on December 22, 1924, at Palinerston North, he did attempt to commit rape on a girl. Accused was alternatively charged that, on the same date, he indecently assaulted the same girl 'who, at the time of the alleged offences, was under the age of 16 years. Mr Cooke represented tho Crown and Mr McGregor appeared for accused, who pleaded not guilty. The following jury was empanelled: Messrs A. F. Gibbs (foreman), H. L. Richards G. Thompson, W. Paget, W. Mcllwraith, T. Baldwin, H. G. Parr, J W Levens, F. E. Andrews, W. Hancock, G Looker, and C. G. Hubbard. On tho application of Mr Cooke the court was cleared. Mr Cooke, in opening the case for the Crown, said that the girl concerned was only nine years of age. On December 22 her mother put the child to bed in the boarding-house where they lived and on returning to the room found accused sitting on tho bed. Accused, when asked why he was there, said that he had been talking to the girl and not doing any harm. The next night tho girl's mother, on returning to the house, found the child in a dishevelled condition and as the result of an examination formed the opinion that she had been interfered with by a man. Later, the child made a statement. After evidence had been given by the girl, her mother, a medical practitioner and other witnesses, the case for the defence was opened, accusing giving evidence on his own behalf. After a retirement of 25 minutes tho jury returned a verdict of guilty on the charge of attempted rape. Accused was remanded for sentence till to-day.