THREE MONTHS FOR USING BAD LANGUAGE OVER ’PHONE

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 October 1946, Page 6

THREE MONTHS FOR USING BAD LANGUAGE OVER ’PHONE

(PA.) Wellington, Oct. 4. Thiiteen charges alleging the use of indecent language over a telephone, were admitted in the Magistrate’s Court to-day by William Darwin, packer and drum-major, aged 50, an Australian. In imposing sentence of three months’ imprisonment, Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., said it was the worst case of its type ever to come before him. “The language was filthy,” he said. “We certainly don’t want Australians coming here and doing this. 1 hope that when he has served this sentence the authorities will facilitate his return to Australia. We certainly don’t want him here.” Sub-Inspector J. Abel said the accused arrived in New Zealand from Australia on August 5. Shortly after his arrival he obtained the name of a girl in business in Wellington. On September 20 he rang her from a public telephone booth and used the language complained of. He rang four times that day, tw.ee bn September 23. five times more in the next three days, and was in the act of ringing when the police arrested him on September 27. For the accused, Mr. G. C. Kent said the case was one for a psychiatrist. He emphasised that the accused did not try to make contact with the girl beyond telephoning. The accused was happily married, had a good war record, had received decorations for bravery, and had played a prominent part in civic life in Australia. He held high executive positions in bands, and was in New Zealand to arrange a tour by an Australian band.