REFORMATIVE DETENTION

Southland Times, Issue 25363, 15 August 1935, Page 8

REFORMATIVE DETENTION

MARRIED WOMAN SENTENCED. UNLAWFUL USE OF INSTRUMENT. Reformative detention for eight months was the punishment imposed upon Jean Cartwright, a married woman when, having been found guilty on a charge of using an instrument for the purpose of procuring a miscarriage, she appeared for sentence before his Honour Mr Justice Kennedy in the Supreme Court yesterday. Mr J. G. Imlay, in pleading for leniency on behalf of the prisoner, said she had a husband on relief work and a family of five, the eldest being 14 and the youngest five. The only girl was a child of five who, counsel had been informed, was under treatment for some form of eye trouble. Apart from outside help, therefore, she was the only one who could assist in carrying on the household. One boy, aged 10, received medical treatment periodically for some trouble to his head, which necessitated constant operations. Counsel asked that the Court temper justice with mercy and, if possible, extend probation to the prisoner. “Prisoner at the Bar,” began his Honour when passing sentence, “I shall not further refer to your crime except to say that the method you used resulted in the serious illness of the inexperienced girl who went to you. Nevertheless, in all the circumstances I am paying attention to all the matters mentioned by Mr Imlay who, I may say, defended you at my request. A short sentence will meet this case. You will be detained for reformative purposes for eight months. No doubt, if your conduct is proper, you will serve half that sentence.”