The Daily Telegraph, Sat 2 May 1908 1
QUARTER SESSIONS.
————
(Before Judge Rogers and a Jury.)
Mr Herbert Harris prosecuted for the Crown.
…
SAD CASE OF A BOY.
Michael Buckley, a lad of 17, was convicted on a charge of attempting to commit a serious offence [bestiality] at Bellangri [sic – Bellangry], on March 17.
When the jury announced their verdict, with a strong recommendation to mercy, on account of accused’s youth, his Honor inquired, “What can I do with this boy? Is there any means in Darlinghurst Gaol of separating him?”
The recorder stated that he would be kept separated from everyone.
His Honor: If I sentence him to goal, can he write to his aunt, who I am informed, resides at Balmain?
The recorder answered that every facility would be given him for so doing.
His honor: I don’t want to order him a thrashing. Do they birch these boys?
The recorder: Yes; if your Honor desires.
His Honor said he did not like flogging in these cases. What would be the best thing if he decided to let the boy go?
The recorder said he had written to the Prisoner’s Aid Association , and they would do all they could for him.
His Honor: Supposing I give him a short sentence what will you do with him?
The Recorder: Put him to physical drill.
His Honor then passed a sentence of one month’s hard labor in Darlinghurst Gaol, the sentence to be suspended at any time employment was found for him. His Honor suggested that should no employment offer within the month, the boy’s aunt should be approached, with a view to taking charge of him until he was found occupation.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 2 May 1908 2
METROPOLITAN QUARTER
SESSIONS.
(Before Judge Rogers and a jury.)
Mr Herbert Harris, Crown Prosecutor.
…
SERIOUS CHARGE.
A lad named Michael Buckley, aged 17 years, was charged with attempting to commit a serious offence. The jury convicted the accused, but recommended him to mercy on account of his youth. He was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment in Darlinghurst Gaol with hard labour, the sentence to be suspended at any time on employment being found for him.
1 The Daily Telegraph, Sat 2 May 1908, p. 22.
2 The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 2 May 1908, p. 6.