EX-PROFESSOR CHARGED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22256, 8 May 1934, Page 4

EX-PROFESSOR CHARGED

MAINTENANCE IN ARREARS DEFENDANT ORDERED OUT OF COURT. (Per United Pbess Association.) WELLINGTON, May 7. David. James Richards, aged 54, a retired professor, entertained a crowded court when he came before Mr W. F. Stilwell, S.M., to-day on two charges of being in arrears of maintenance—one in respect of his wife and another relating to his child. In reply to allegations that he owed £l2 for his wife’s maintenance and £3 for his child’s maintenance, he stated that he had been the victim of the “sharp practice” of a Wellington firm of solicitors.

“The position is this,” said Mr Stilwell, “ that you have had money in your savings bank account, and for reasons which you deem fit you have paid it to solicitors and other sources, but you have to remember that there is an order of the court in respect of the maintenance of your wife and child.” . “ I would have to pay my legal debts even if she were living with me. I am not going bankrupt for this woman or anybody else,” replied Richards. The magistrate advised Richards _to bring on an application for a variation of the maintenance order if ’ he felt justified. He convicted Richards on both charges and on the one relating to his wife he sentenced the defendant to one month's imprisonment, and ordered that he should ba released on payment of £l2. On the charge relating to the child the magistrate imposed a sentence of 10 days’ imprisonment, the defendant to be released on payment of £3. The sentences were to be concurrent.

“ Fifteen pounds! ” exclaimed Richards. “ How can Ido it t I haven’t got it.” Counsel for the wife began to address Mr Stilwell on the question of arrears when ho was interrupted by Richards. “Send him out,” directed the magistrate, and Richards was conducted outside by the court orderly. “ This man / is labouring under a sense of very great injustice, most of it imaginary, no doubt,” commented the magistrate.