FOUND GUILTY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9621, 29 March 1917, Page 5

FOUND GUILTY

CHARGE OF DESERTION BALLOTED MAN COURT-MAR-XIALLBD. Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 23. 'Thomas McGee, a member of tho Expeditionary Force, was tried by court-martial on a charge that, on March Ist, without having received a permit, and with intent to avoid service, ho attempted to leave New Zealand on a steamer about to leave Auckland for an oversea port. In roply to the court, Mr Taylor, for McGee, said that, considering the position, McGee had decided to plead guilty. His client felt his position keenly, and sought the mercy of tho court. ■ , ~ According to tho evidence at tno preliminary inquiry, tho accused was drawn in tho third ballot, and, appealing on February 19th, ho was granted exemption until March orst. Mr Taylor said he was doubtful as to “desertion,” for it would have been possible for tho accused to return to New Zealand before the date up to which ho had been granted exemptionMcGee had made the acquaintance ot a foreigner, and with him had gone aboard the ship. Ho was in a nervous and dazed condition at the time. Ho had now been twenty-eight days under arrest, and pleaded that he bo sent to Trcntharn, and given an opportunity of proving ho was not an abandoned renegade. Several testimonials as to accused’s character were handed in. Accused was found guilty, and the court announced that the sentence would he made known after it had been confirmed by the officer commanding the district.