ORIENTAL BAY MYSTERY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11415, 11 January 1923, Page 5

ORIENTAL BAY MYSTERY

GRAVE OFFENCES ALLECED YOUNG MAN COMMITTED FOR ASSAULTS ON WOMEN. “I COULD NOT HELP MYSELF.” The sequel to the Oriental Bay assaults where a number of women weif* mytkm-JoiMlv att-anaed wnala passing through the reserve, on several occasions in broad daylight, was heard in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Charges of a serious character were levelled at Stanley Reid. The assaults, which took place about the same time, did not result in serious misadventure to those concerned, as it was stated in the course of evidence that the lad ran away as soon as the women called for assistance. It will be remembered that Reid appeared in the Supreme Court for sentence before Mr Justice Reed some weeks ago. He was then severely lectured by the judge, who admitted him to probation on the condition tnan he subjected himself to medical treatment for an undesirable habit. In the course of a statement to the police Reid ttated that he knew he was doing wrong, hut could not help himself. , , ~ Mr lE. Page, -S.M., was on the bench. Senior-Detective Lewis inducted the prosecution, while Mr Scott represented the accused, who entered a formal plea of not guilty, and was later committed to the Supreme Court for trial. The charges were taken together. ATTACKED FROM BEHIND.

The first witness was a young school girl, fourteen years of age, who stated that she was passing through the reserve on her way home at mid-day, and when walking along the zig-zag path a man attacked her from behind. He tried to push what she thought was a handkerchief into her mouth. The child called for help, and the man ran away without speaking. The witness identified the accused as the man concerned. She was under tho impression that ho wanted to take her school hag. No attempt, however, was made to do this. A marrited woman, rcisident at Roseneath, stated that she was passing through the reserve on election day, and met with a similar exponent. The aocussed, whom she recognised in the dock, sprang at her, giving her a hard knock. The witness screamed and he ran away without speaking. • . In reply to the Senior-Detective, the witness stated that the accused at the time was in his stocking feet, and wore no hat. DRAGGED FIFTY YARDS.

A young single woman, a Palmerston North resident, who was spending the holidays in Wellington, related how on December 13th she' met with s similar adventure. The man put his hand across her month and dragged her about fifty yards off the path. When the witness screamed the naan in this instance also, ran away. He was recognised as the accused. At the time he wore no coat, waist coat or hat. The witness bad no difficulty in identifying the prisoner. A married woman, whose homo is at Evans Bay road, related how she was attacked bv the prisoner, after passing Jerningham Point one evening. A man suddenly came behind her, placed a piece of Rrey flannel acioss her mouth, and dragged her backwards for about sixty yards. No attempt was made to take any valuables, although she was carrying a sum of money at the time. Another married woman residing in the same vicinity, detailed how she was likewise attacked on the evening of December 19th. Similar tactics were employed. Witness was dragged on to the beach. Witness said that the prisoner, whom she identified, threatened to kill her if she called out. The woman struggled wildly, and eventually was released. The witness was stunned for a few moments by the violence of the attack. ADMISSION BY PRISONER. With reference to the first charge, it was stated by the prosecution that Reid had signed a statement to the effect that it was his intention to commit a serious offence in connection with each individual assault. He admitted this to Detective Jarrold. Similar statements were also made and signed by the prisoner in connection with the. other charges. In one the accused intimated that he was aware he was doing wrong, but said he could not help himself. The prisoner had nothing to say. A formal plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf by his counsel.

Mr Scott intimated that he had a certain course of action mapped out in his mind. If he had reason U change the plea of “not guilty” he would oommuricate with the prosecution.

Reid will appear for trial at the next criminal sessions of the Supreme Court.