YOUNG LADY FOLLOWED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16035, 29 September 1915, Page 5

YOUNG LADY FOLLOWED.

SEQUEL IN POLICE COURT. FINE OF £5 FOR ASSAULT. The action of a young man named Francis Michael' Skinn in speaking to a girl and following her to her home was held by Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., at the Police Court yesterday, to constitute an assault. l , he case was heard some days ago. The magistrate, in giving judgment, said it was alleged that the accused spoke to the girl, whom he did not know, about ten o clock at night. She took no notice and got into a tramcar. He followed her and sat down on a seat facing her. He stared at her during the journey, and when she alighted he also got out. She had to walk, down a not too well lighted street, and he again followed her. When she walked fast he walked fast, and eventually she ran, reaching the back door of her house just as he reached the gate. On these facta Skinn -was changed with assault. One question to be considered was whether this constituted an assault. It was an assault to threaten a person if one had the means for actually assaulting. Speaking to the girl and then boarding the tramcar and staring at her was insulting behaviour, but it was questionable whether that constituted assault. The fact that he got out of the tram when she did and walked quickly when she did made it quite clear .that he was following her, and that constituted the, offence. He would, therefore, be convicted of assault. As to whether it was a'serious assault or not it was difficult to form an opinion. It was possible from the evidence that the accused had taken a violent fancy to the girl and wanted to see her subsequently. However it was grossly improper if the evidence had such an interpretation. He would be fined £5.

Mr. Lundon wanted the fine increased to £5 Is in order that he could appeal, but the magistrate declined to grant the request.