Protection of Young Girls

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 171, 22 July 1939, Page 7

Protection of Young Girls

YOUTH GETS REFORMATIVE DETENTION An indication that lie would have liked to have been more lenient with accused because of liia character and actions subsequent to the offence was voiced by the Hon. Mr. Justice Blair in the Palmerston North Supreme Cour. yesterday when a farm labourer named Ivan Parkinson, aged 24, came before him for sentence on charges of carnai knowledge and supplying a noxious thing with intent. Prisoner’s counsel, Mr. G. Crossloy, submitted that there were a number ot circumstances about 'he case that might be mentioned in mitigation Parkinson had had neither the ad van tage of a good home nor education. His mother died when he was seven years old and after that till 12 years of age ho had lived with his grandmother. Then he had left school to earn a livelihood as a farm labourer.

His Honour: And a good farm labourer, too.

Mr. Crossley said prisoner had proved himself a worthy citizen and had a reputation as an athlete. He ivas also held in respect by the district as had been revealed by tho fact that a number of settlers had been prepared to stand bail for him. In addition Parkinson had served creditably for five years in tho Territorials. Ho was very much attached to the girl offended and was anxious to marry her. In his association with tho poJico ho had been full ot frankness and had voluntarily paid to the father of tho girl a sum of over £3O towards confinement expenses.

His Honour said he was sorry to see Parkinson where he was and would like to be more lenient because there were features about the case which mitigatea the other distressing features of it However, the girl was of tender years (not quite 14 when the offences were commenced) and tho law was intended to save girls from themselves and young men, and so took a grave view of such offences. He was sorry to have to sentence a young man but must do it. Parkinson Avould serve reformative detention for six months.