“ One of Worst and Most Serious Crimes”

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 149, 25 June 1937, Page 6

“ One of Worst and Most Serious Crimes”

MAGISTRATE REFUSES BAIL. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Charges of aiding and abetting Raymond Griff in the illegal uso of an instrument on a girl aged 19 at Panmure on September 1, and counselling or procuring Raymond Griff to use an instrument illegally on tho same girl on August 25 were preferred against a married woman, Dorothy Baker, aged 33, in the Police Court. Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., presided. At the conclusion of the case for the prosecution, accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. When counsel made application for a renewal of accused's bail, the Magistrate said he had given some thought to tho matter, but owing to tho very grave nature of the charges, abortion being one of the worst and most serious crimes in the criminal calendar, and owing to the nature of the facts disclosed by the evidence, he would refuse bail. Detective-Sergeant Walsh said he hau been approached by certain witnesses to request that their names should be suppressed, but this was also refused by the Magistrate. “I do not think in the interests of justice any portion of the case should be suppressed,” the Magistrate added. “The terrible nature of the crime should bo brought out." The Magistrate also asked DetectiveSergeant Walsh what steps were being taken for the control of accused’s daughter. The circumstances of her home lif ?, according to the evidence, suggested that some investigation should be made. He did not propose dealing with the matter at present, but urged that the police should make inquiries as to whether she was being properly controlled. “That is being attended to," said Mr. Walsh. “She has been living with her mother and stepfather.”