PRISONER'S COMPLAINT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23273, 16 February 1939, Page 18

PRISONER'S COMPLAINT

STATEMENT FROM DOCK COMMENT BY THE JUDGE A lengthy statement from the-dock was made by a Maori, George Menderson, aged 30, when he appeared in the Supreme Court before Mr. Justice Fair yesterday for sentence on three charges of being found by night on premises without excuse. "1 have come to the conclusion," prisoner said, "that once a man has had the misfortune to fall against the law, and if he should fall again, it is absolutely useless for one in that predicament to expect any niore.v or justice." Jle complained that the machinery of the law would not be satisfied with once punishing a victim, and said he could have brought witnesses to support his statements had he been more fully acquainted with their names and addresses. His Honor said he thought the .jury had quite properly found the charges against the prisoner proved. If lie had desired to call evidence to repudiate the charges he had opportunity to get in touch with witnesses, and there was no reason why he should not have done! so.

In view of the prisoner's long list, of previous convictions, and the fact that no was in steady employment at a good wage when he committed these offences, said His Honor, it seemed clear that he must have a substantial sentence to convince him that he should not rove about seeking to commit crimes. On the third count Henderson was sentenced to 12 months' hard labour and on each of the other two to three months, these periods to be concurrent.