ASSAULTS ON WOMEN

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11438, 7 February 1923, Page 5

ASSAULTS ON WOMEN

EXTRAORDINARY CASE YOUTH STANDS HIS TRIAL ON SERIOUS CHARGES. STORIES OF FRENZIED ATTAOKS. Stanley Winwood McKissack Keid, a youth of eighteen, appeared before Mr Justice Chapman at the Supreme Court yesterday, on several charges of attempted rape. The informations concerned several attacks on women, fortunately without any serious effect, in or near the Rosen eath Reserve in November and December last. The accused, who pleaded not guilty, was represented by Mr J. Scott. Of the twelve jurymen empanelled, Mr Charles Hopper was appointed foreman. The court was cleared during the hearing. . Mr Macassey detailed how Reid had attacked the women suddenly from behind. In one case he gave a woman a blow, others he dragged some distance, although in no instances were the innocent victims of the attacks seriously injured. Statements had been made in several instances by the accused admitting the offences. He told one woman that if she dared to call out he would kill her. There was no doubt that the young man’s mind was distorted, and it appeared as if he could not help himself.

A schoolgirl, fourteen years of age, related how she had been suddenly attacked from behind by a man who placed a handkerchief across her mouth. The accused was recognised as the man in question. Other evidence Was tendered art lines similar to that given in the lower court. A married woman, who was suddenly seized from behind as she was passing through the reserve, said she received a fairly severe blow on the mouth. A single girl resident at Palmerston North, who was spending holidays in Wellington at the time, met with a similar experience. This witness was thrown some distance down the oath. When she screamed the man, since identified as the accused, ran away. There had been no attempt to take any valuables. Another married woman related how she had been, attacked at Point Jerningham by the accused. Til ere had been no attempt at robbery., Tn the same locality a married woman residing at Evans Bay, struggled desperately with fife laijeused, who rolled her down a hank. His hand over her mouth, prevented the witness from screaming. Just as suddenly he got up and ran away. There had been no attempt to take her purse. After hearing other evidence of other women, who had been assaultpd by the youth, the court adjourned until 10 o’clock this morning.