MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 June 1923, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT. The preliminary hearing of the charge of indecent assault alleged against Frank Moffett, a laborer, was taken in the Magistrate's Court at New Plymouth yesterday before Mr. A. M. Mowlem/S.M. At the close of the case for the prosecution, which was conducted by Detective-sergeant J. Cooney, Moffett pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court at New Plymouth. Bail was not applied for. Evidence was led to describe Moffett s movements immediately prior to the alleged assault and details were given as to his alleged performance of the particular acts mentioned in the charge, while eight additional witnesses were called to give evidence of identification. No questions were asked by the accused, who, however, intimated that he was willing to give evidence on his own behalf. Mr. Mowlem pointed out to Moffett that anything he might -say would be used as evidence against him, and also drew his attention to the fact that he was not represented by counsel who might advise against such a course. The accused then reserved his defence.