Grand Jury’s Views On Cases Of Indecent Assault On Girls

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1948, Page 4

Grand Jury’s Views On Cases Of Indecent Assault On Girls

The view that cases of indecent assault on girls were too common in New Zealand, and that sentences should be more severe, was expressed by the Grand Jury in a presentment in the Supreme Court, Wanganui, yesterday. Two of the cases before the Court concerned alleged indecent assault on small girls, and after the Grand Jury had returned true bills, the foreman, Mr. D. G. O'Toole, said that they wished to make a presentment. “First of all,” said the foreman, “we would like to express appreciation of the way the Police Department mingles decency and tact with efficiency in what must be most difficult cases."

Mr. Justice Christie: Would you like that to to be placed on record? The foreman: Yes, Your Honour.

“We would also like to express our concern witli the number of these cases throughout New Zealand," the foreman added. “If possible, the sentences should be more severe than they are. “Another question is the remission of part of these sentences. We think they are given too readily and too often.”

His Honour: You think that in general lhe sentences are too light? The foreman: Yes, sir. His Honour said that the Grand Jury's presentments would be placed before the proper authorities.