REFORMATIVE DETENTION FOR MAN CONVICTED OF INDECENT ASSAULT

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 November 1950, Page 3

REFORMATIVE DETENTION FOR MAN CONVICTED OF INDECENT ASSAULT

Two years’ reformative detention on .each charge, the terms to be concurrent, was the sentence imposed by Mr Justice Hay in the Supreme Court, Wanganui, yesterday, on William Henry Sedgman, cleaner, aged 61, of Patea, found guilty by a jury the previous night on two charges of indecently assaulting two girls, each aged eight years.

His Honour said that he had a very sad duty to perform. Two leading citizens of Patea had come forward and had spoken with obvious sincerity about prisoner’s previous good character. It was one of those unfortunate cases where a man with a good record in the past found himself on charges such as this. The Court, however, must consider public interests In relation to the crime. "A judge must be most concerned about a sentence that will act as a deterrent,” His Honour added. He must also consider the individual, who, after all, was still a citizen and had a future life to lead. In some cases, however, the interests of the public must weigh against those of the individual. "This is a case where the interests of the public predominate, and for that reason I cannot grant probation,” His Honour added. “Public interest demands that children must be protected. This class of offence is all too prevalent today, and judges cannot stand for it. The penalties must be such that others likeminded are deterred.” His Honour said he appreciated that prisoner had been found guilty by the jury on only two of the four charges against him. Had he been convicted on all four, however, a heavy penalty would have been imposed, the maximum for this class of offence being seven years. Earlier, Mr S. G. Cathro, for prisoner, had called two witnesses to give evidence as to character. Fred Ramsbottom. a former Mayor of Patea. said that Sedgman had been a good citizen throughout the 28 years they had known each other. Prisoner had been a member of the Patea Fire Brigade for more than 25 years, and had received honours for good work and conduct. The present Mayor, unable to he present in Court, had asked witness to exnress similar views. Frederick William Locker, draper, Patea, said he had known prisoner for more than 30 years. “I have always known him as a decent man and a good man.” said witness. Mr Cathro sumbitted that the case had unusual features. Here was a man 61 years of age who had never been in trouble previously, but now found himself convicted on a serious matter. Counsel asked the Court to take prisoner’s previous good qualities into account, and also that this conviction carried other penalties quite apart, from what may be inflicted by the Court. The Crown Prosecutor, Mr N. R. Bain, submitted that it may be said that such offences could be due to a man’:-, physical or mental degeneration. but if this were so he might break out at. any time. “I have given the most anxious consideration to the circumstances and have taken full regard of your previous good character,” said His Honour, sentencing prisoner. "T feel that, the appropriate sentence is one of two ve'iis’ reformative detention.”