EXPOSING INDECENT PHOTOGRAPH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13397, 28 January 1907, Page 5

EXPOSING INDECENT PHOTOGRAPH.

WELL MERITED PUNISHMENT.

[BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Sunday. On a charge of having shown an indecent photograph to a barmaid a hotel porter named William West was brought before Dr. A. McArthur, S.M., yesterday. Subinspector O'Donovan prosecuted, and Mr. Wilford defended.

Tie- informant deposed that the defendant took her photograph. The prints were not successful and the defendant, in order to demonstrate that the camera was all right, handed her a photograph of himself, which had been taken with the camera. At the same time he gave her the photograph at present before the Court. Subsequently witness looked at it. and when she saw it immediately returned it. saving she was disgusted with him, and told him not to speak to her again.

Sergeant Lyon gave evidence to the effect that the defendant complained to him about being assaulted, and witness went with him to the hotel to get evidence. He spoke to the barmaid about the defendant, and she referred to a photograph. Witness asked for the photograph, and the defendant handed it to him. Witness told West that he thought the photograph was indecent. In reply the defendant said he did not think there was any harm in it.

Mr. Wilford, in defence, raised a technical point that the defendant did not exhibit the photograph, and also held that it was not indecent.

His Worship said he had never seen such a. disgusting picture.

The defendant was sentenced to three months' imprisonment without the option of a fine. On the application of Mr. Wilford leave to appeal was granted, and bail was allowed in self £50, and two securities in £50 each.