IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3299, 18 August 1911, Page 6

IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE.

A MENTAL DEFECTIVE’S CRIME. MR. JUSTICE CHAPMAN’S STRONG REMARKS. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.! WELLINGTON, August 17. Chas. Dane, a man of weak intellect, was sentenced to prison for life by Mr. Justice Chapman this afternoon. The crime is of an unmentionable character. His Honor (to the Crown Prosecutor) : What is known of accused P Mr. Ostler: He was found guilty of attempted rape at Nelson fourteen years ago. “Without exception,” declared his Honor, “this is the most shocking case that has ever come before me. You have admitted your guilt of a crime which, next to murder, is one of the most grievous known to our law. Within my recollection, men were put to death for committing that crime. The law is more merciful now and does not permit this, hut it still regards it as one of the most grievous, and prescribes the severest punishment short of death.” The grand jury, added his Honor, recommended him to inflict flogging in crimes of young people, but he did not propose to do this, on account of the severity of the sentence he would inflict, and from the excuse that prisoner had had accidents, and did things for which he could not account. .“Bolts and bars,” added his Honor, “must be placed between the prisoner and any possible victim.” “Tlie’ sentence of the Court,” be concluded, “is that you ‘be imprisoned with hard labor for the rest of your life.”