Sentence Of Three Years In Evans Case

Northern Advocate, 26 July 1938, Page 5

Sentence Of Three Years In Evans Case

[Special to “Northern Advocate.”! AUCKLAND, This Day. When Hazel Frances Evans, aged 21, who was found guilty last week of manslaughter in respect to the death of her infant child, came before Mr Justice Fair today in the Supreme Court for sentence, Mr R. A. Singer suggested that for any period of detention which might be imposed upon the prisoner she might be committed to a home where she would be under strict supervision and would receive a wholesome training. His Honour said it was impossible for him to take any course other than impose a sentence of imprisonment. It was a pitiful case, and he realised that the prisoner committed the crime largely through her own weakness. Even in such circumstances a substantial term of imprisonment must be imposed to meet the crime of taking a human life, and he was obliged to impose a sentence of three years’ reformative detention. He would, however, add to his sentence a recommendation, as suggested by Mr Singer, that she should be detained in Point Halswell Home, where she might be trained and have her character strengthened.