Illegal Operation Charge Against Woman

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1943, Page 5

Illegal Operation Charge Against Woman

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A plea of not guilty was entered at the Magistrate's Court by Mary Ann Wearhe, 61. a domestic, on a charge of unlawfully using an instrument on a 15-year-old girl. Evidence was given by a widow that she found her two daughters—ls and 17 —were pregnant. She took the 15-year-old girl to see Mrs. Wearne, and an arrangement was made, witness paying £3O in a £2O note and two £5 notes. The Cost The two girls were to cost £6O, and if nothing eventuated the money was to be refunded. She left the younger daughter at Mrs. Wearne’s, and saw her next at home that night. An appointment was made for the elder girl to go later that week. The elder girl gave evidence that she took a note from her mother to Mrs. Wearne, who gave her four pills for the younger girl. That was the only time witness saw Mrs. Wearne. The younger girl described what Mrs. Wearne did to her. It was on a Monday, and she was to return on Thursday. She was seen at her home on Tuesday night by detectives, and admitted to hospital. Detective’s Evidence Evidence was given by Detective Smeaton that, with Detective Hogan, he called at Mrs. Wearne’s house. She denied knowledge of the affair and said she had no money in the house. They made a search and found 20 pound notes, two five-pound ' notes, three other fives and two tens. Mrs. Wearne was arrested and had nothing to say to the charge. The magistrate (Mr| Stout) committed the accused for trial at the May sessions of the Supreme Court. Bail was renewed.