SUPPRESSION OF NAMES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3773, 6 July 1926, Page 67

SUPPRESSION OF NAMES.

CHRISTCHURCH, .lune 29. “The suppression of the names of criminal offenders in court proceedings is becoming all too common, and the value of publicity as a deterrent to crime is being lessened.” This was the opinion expressed by Messrs H. F. Herbert and F. H. Christian, justices of the peace, in the Magistrate’s Court this morning in refusing an application for the suppression of her name by a young girl who was convicted of unlawfully converting a bicycle to her own use. The girl pleaded guilty to the charge. Chief Detective T. Gibson said that accused worked at the same place as diu the girl whose bicycle she had taken. This was the third occasion on which accused had taken the bicycle. It was tin offence which was getting very common and must be stoppod. Girls and young men wore constantly taking other people's bicycles, and using them. He would not press for a heavy penalty in this case, however. Asked if she had anything to say the girl asked that her name should be suppressed. The Bench; Accused will I« placed on probation for 12 months. We cannot accede to the request for the suppression of her name, as it is becoming *all teo common, and in some cases help* offenders to carry on.