LONGLEY’S SENTENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 12 February 1941, Page 5

LONGLEY’S SENTENCE

THREE MONTHS’ HARD LABOUR GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER [United Press Association] HAMILTON, This Day. Charles Harold Longley (39) invalidity pensioner, found guilty in the Supreme Court last week of manslaughter through the negligent handling of a firearm at Manunui on 22nd September, was sentenced by Mr Justice Smith to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour this morning. Longley waa charged with the murder of Jeremiah O’Sullivan, but the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter through the negligent handling of a firearm, with a recommendation to mercy on account of prisoner’s health at the time of the offence.

Pleading for leniency, Mr W. J. King said that Longley had been of good character prior to the offence, with a harmonious family life. He had been in solitary confinement since 22nd September.

His Honour said that he must adopt the view taken by the jury, namely, that Longley did not intend to kill O’Sullivan, but to frighten him. Ho had also to take into consideration tho jury’s recommendation to mercy, and the fact that Longley had been in solitary confinement for the past four months. OTHER CASES

Found guilty last week on two counts, firstly of indecent assault on a boy of seven years, and secondly at Hamilton East on 16th January of an indecent act in a public place, Terence Athol Coleman (35), labourer, was sentenced to two years’ hard labour on the first charge; and on the second he was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within six months. It appeared that the offences took place under the influence of alcoholic liquor, said His Honour. In October last year prisoner was admitted to two years’ probation for indecent assault on a girl. In this case the offence was also committed under the influence of liquor. It was evident that prisoner must be taught a sharp lesson. Douglas Farrence Coles, aged 24, farm hand, committed from Morrinsville on a charge of rape, was sentenced to be detained for reformative purposes for a period not exceeding three years.