ABDUCTION OF YOUNG GIRL

NZ Truth, Issue 1305, 18 December 1930, Page 2

ABDUCTION OF YOUNG GIRL

YOUTH GETS TWELVE MONTHS* BAD RECORD

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Nelson Rep.) When sentencing Ronald Edward Morrison to twelve months' hard labor for the abduction of a girl under the age of 16 years, Mr. Justice Reed remarked that, . considering the character of the girl and the prisoner's age, he did not look upon the case as a bad one of its class.

UE could not, however, overlook the # - fact that the prisoner was out on license from a Borstal institution and' that from his record he was determined to join the permanent criminal class, it was a very unfortunate thing for a youth of prisoner's age to adopt such a course. Morrison was charged with, on June 29, 1930, at Nelson, abducting, and having unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 16 years of age. The Crown assigned Mr. W. V. Rout to appear on behalf of Morrison, who pleaded not guilty. The court was ordered to be cleared. Evidence was called by the Crown similar to that given m the lower court proceedings, a report of which appeared m "Truth." The first witness called was the girl m the case, who related how Morrison had picked her up m his car m Collingwood Street one Sunday afternoon, and had taken her to Takaka. They returned the next day and went to Kaikoura, stopping the night, and misconduct took place. After this they travelled as far as Dunedin. Here witness became separated from Morrison, and having no money she gave herself up to the police. She also described how, after going to the Port with Morrison, they walked back to St. Vincent Street, where, m a paddock, accused misconducted himself with her. The Crown l: also called the girl's mother, and William Friend, Horace Friend and Det. Sinclair to give evidence. No evidence was called for the defence. The jury found Morrison guilty on the abduction charge, but did not reach an agreement on the other charge. Passing sentence, His Honor commented as stated.