MAGISTRATE’S COMMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 297, 13 November 1934, Page 2

MAGISTRATE’S COMMENT.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF ACCUSED,

Per Press Association

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 13. A strong protest against the photographing or accused persons was made in the Police Court this morning by counsel (Mr A. J. Mafley) prior to the hearing of certain charges against Leonard McKniglit and Josephine McKuight. Mr Malley said the Chief J ustice had commented strongly on the matter of the publication of photographs of accused persons before the hearing of a case. He gave, so counsel thought, a ruling that such photographs sliould not be published. In tins particular case it might be said the pliotographs would not be published until after the hearing of the case, but he asked whether it was fair. that they should be published. The Magistrate (Mr E. D. Mosley): I know nothing about it. No photograph has appeared. Mr Malley: Photographs have been taken outside the Court. There is no doubt about it.

The Magistrate: What occurs outside the Court I have no concern over. If you can give me any authority for doing so, or prefer any charge, I will be only too pleased to deal with the persons complained of. It is an unconscionable thing. The Magistrate added that, lie knew of nothing in the criminal law that would enable him to deal adequately with a person taking a photograph. The discussion then lapsed. The evidence was heard in camera, after which both accused were sentenced to three months’ hard labour. Three girls, for two of whom Mr Malley appeared, were ordered to come up for sentence if called upon on charges of assisting accused.