YOUTHFUL OFFENCES

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19639, 27 July 1935, Page 14 (Supplement)

YOUTHFUL OFFENCES

Criticism of Modem Idea.

Strong 'comments on the Idea that serious offences by young people should be treated as “childish lapses” were made by Hr Justice Charles at Hertford Assizes, England. In tho dock was Cecil Henry Willmot, 26, traveller, of St. Albans, who was charged on three counts with breaking into houses and stealing jewellery and oilier articles.

It was stated that he had had a good situation with a London firm, but was discharged for the allegd embezzlement of £65. Defending counsel explained that Willmot belonged to a most respectable family, and was educated at a school at St. Albans. Judge: I thought he had attended a different school. He is wearing an Eton tic. A Modern Idea. The Judge observed that a great

Judge Rejects Plea for Traveller.

deal of the crime of the country was committed by people of Willmot’s age or younger.

“Unfortunately the idea seems to have got abroad,” the judge continued, “that people who commit very serious offences are entitled, because they have not been in prison before, to be bound over. I am afraid that is one of the reasons for such a great deal of crime among young people.

“I am asked to treat these offences as a sudden youthful lapse. It Is not the kind of lapse, however, that I om going to encourage; “I must punish you, not only for what you have done, but to let other people of your stamp know that it is wrong to think that really serious offences can be treated as if they were merely childish lapses.” His lordship sentenced Willmot to eight months’ Imprisonment in : the second division.