BORSTAL DETENTION FOR TWO YEARS IS YOUTH’S PUNISHMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18014, 26 November 1926, Page 9

BORSTAL DETENTION FOR TWO YEARS IS YOUTH’S PUNISHMENT.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, November 16. A youth, Arthur David Horace Parter, appeared before Mr Justice Alpers for sentence on a charge of breaking, entering and theft at Eketahuna. Mr Parry for the prisoner said that lie was very overgrown for his age, being seventeen and six feet high. He appeared ovej'grown physically but not developed mentally. He characterised Porter’s action as those of a kleptomaniac. Counsel said that he stole a packet of cigarettes, not to smoke, but for the picture. The other thefts were of small articles. Counsel agreed that probation was out of the question and submitted that in the best interests of the lad, he should be detained at a Borstal institution for a short a term as possible. His Honor said that the duration of the term rested in the hands of the Minister. A lad of prsioner’s age should be kept a considerable time in order that tne training he got should have an effect on him. In sentencing the prisoner to be detained for a period not cxceding two years, his Honor said that he wanted to impress cm Porter that he was not being sent to prison. The institution was partly a school place where he would be put to work which ho hoped he would line! interesting.