Crown Appoints Counsel For Penniless Accused

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 167, 16 July 1937, Page 4

Crown Appoints Counsel For Penniless Accused

FATHER OF TEN FACES SERIOUS CHARGE

When a middle-aged man, the father of ton children, who has been on sustenance for several years, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to answer a serious charge, J ustices of the Peace were called on to appoint counsel to defend him at tho expense of the Crown.

Charles Frederick Neil Johnson, labourer, aged 39, of Main street, Palmerston North, was the accused. When the charge against him had been read, Mr. J. M. Gordon explained that he had been asked to appear for accused, who had been on sustenance for some time, had no means, and was tho father of ten children.

“I have examined the case superficially, and it seems to me ho has a reasonable defence,” said Mr. Gordon. * 1 The existing legislation provides for counsel to be allotted by Justices of the Poace to any accused who appears before them if they are satisfied he is unable to make provision for himself. The appointment rests with the Court which may select any name from the list approved by the registrar. Johnson is charged with one of the most serious offences on the calendar and 1 think he is entitled to counsel.”

Detective-Sergeant A. B. Meiklejohn, who prosecuted, said he was satisfied that what Mr. Gordon said as to the economic position of accused was correct. He had been on sustenance for years. Messrs A. J. Cruickshank and J. T. Bosworth, J.lVs, who presided, agreed to the course suggested and appointed Mr. Gordon to appear for Johnson. The case was not completed and after some evidence had been heard was adjourned until to-day to enable the calling of a further witness. Mr. Gordon said that as accused was unable to find bail he was anxious to have the matter brought before the Supreme Court next week.