“MUST LEAVE DISTRICT”

Northern Advocate, 3 October 1930, Page 7

“MUST LEAVE DISTRICT”

FORTUNATE MUSICIAN.

(Special to “Northern Advocate. ’’) AUCKLAND, This Day.

‘‘ It is fortunate for you that the police, have reduced the charge to one of assault. The ease now comes before mi 1 as one iof lordinary assault, and, as you have had a good character in the past and in view of your age, I am inclined to admit you to probation.” These remarks, were addressed by Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., to Robert Stewart Jackson, a musician, aged 48, who appeared .at the Police 06urt yesterday for sentence, having pleaded guilty to a charge .of ussauilting a girl aged II year® and 11 months at Avondale on

August 25,

Jackson was arrested on a charge of indecent assault, but this was reduced on the application of the police when accused last appeared in Court. Detective Sergeant T. Kelly said Jackson .invited the girl into his shop to hear some .gramophone records. In the shop lie committed the .offence.

Mr Cleat said the case was one in whirl) lie submitted accused was entitled to bo. dealt with under the provisions of the First Offenders Probation Aet. Jackson wa§ a good citizen, who had enjoyed an unblemished character in the paist. The case was not a serious one, and, while he pleaded guillty, he. did not admit the statement made by the. girl, who was the dangle ter of an opposition, shopkeeper. The girl came. into. Jacksonts shop with some magazines, and her conversation probably caused .Jackson to be indiscreet. He merely touched her on the outside of her clothing. There was no other suggestion. Jackson had been in custody on remand over a week, and his business was now ruined.

Mr Hunt admitted Jackson to probation for a. period of two years. 1 ‘ A condition is that he leaves the district, ’' said the magistrate. ‘‘"Be careful what you do. You will get a term of imprisonment if you touch young girls a*gain, ; ’ Mr Hunt added.