SERIOUS OFFENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20102, 8 May 1935, Page 6

SERIOUS OFFENCE

COUNSEL’S SUGGESTION TO COURT By Telegraph—Press Association DUNEDIN, May 7. A suggestiqn that a charge of carnal knowledge against a young man. Edward Hanson, should be adjourned to give accused and the girl concerned an opportunity of being married in October next when the girl reaches the age of 16 years was rejected by Mr Justice Kennedy in the Supreme Court this afternoon. Before the accused was asked to plead, Mr C. J. L. White (who appeared for him) said that the circumstances were rather unusual in that this was apparently the first case of its kind to come before the court involving the question of marriage since the passing of the Marriage Amendment Act, 1933. The parties were devoted to each other and were desirous of marrying, but the prohibition in the Act was absolute and a marriage by any party under 16 years was void. The girl concerned would be 16 in October next, but it seemed regrettable that as marriage was contemplated and, he was informed, be solemnised, this young man ' whose character apart from this offence was excellent would have a conviction against him for an offence against the girl who was to be his wife. Mr White suggested that if it were possible the court should adopt some course in the way of an adjournment to meet the circumstances of the case. The Crown Prosecutor (Mr F. B. Adams) said that he was unable to accept the suggestion of an adjournment. The offence had been a continuous one and the accused himself admitted one offence. “I submit that the court will not lend itself to jthe encouragement of such relationship with a young girl which should lead to her marriage immediately on reaching the age of 16 years when there is such a history as this behind it," said Mr Adams.

His Honour: I have considered the depositions and I am not prepared to grant an adjournment. The matter must be disposed of now. The accused pleaded guilty and was remanded till Thursday morning for sentence.

The father cf the girl, called by Mr White, said accused and the girl were ideally suited to each other, and he was willing to give his consent to their marriage when the girl reached 16 years of age.