Elderly Man Admitted To Probation On A Charge Of Assault

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 October 1948, Page 8

Elderly Man Admitted To Probation On A Charge Of Assault

Commenting that he knew from the medical report and from accused’s own statement no harm was intended and that he was guilty only of a “technical” assault, Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court, Wanganui yesterday, admitted Frederick Blackman Cathro, aged 71, to probation for 12 months. Accused had pleaded guilty the previous day to a charge of assaulting a girl aged 9 and was remanded for medical observation.

“I know from what the doctor says and from your account, that you intended no harm, and you are guilty of only a technical assault; however, that is what worries parents considerably. Seeing that this was a technical assault, and there was no indecency about it, 1 think x can admit you to probation,” said the magistrate. The magistrate added that he had given the case very careful consideration and he understood from reports which had been made that accused had been an employee of the Wanganui City Council and that he had borne a good character foi many years. The doctor’s report did not suggest that the case was one for a psychiatrist. “On the other naud we have to consider the interests of young children —little girls, who may be assaulted by men like you. If there is any] repetition of this sort of thing you . mav expect imprisonment. “You will be convicted and placed