Goulburn Evening Penny Post, Tue 22 Apr 1924 ¹

OFFENDERS AGAINST DECENCY
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GOULBURN PM’s STAND
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MAXIMUM PENALTY IMPOSED
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    The Goulburn Police Magistrate (Mr GR Williams), is vigorously carrying out his police of dealing with those who offend against decency in our parks and other public places.

    A few months ago he imposed a heavy fine upon a youth who was convicted of insulting some young girls in Belmore Park.

    At the Goulburn Police Court on Saturday, however, Mr Williams dealt with a defendant who pleaded guilty to a more serious charge in connection with unseemly conduct in parks.

    The man’s name is Joseph O’Brien who is 36 years of age.

    Constable Dixon gave evidence which disclosed that defendant behaved in a most disgraceful manner in Victoria Park at about 3 pm on Good Friday.

    O’Brien was sitting on a swing and later left the swing and lay on the grass. There were about eight or nine children playing about.

    The constable said that he saw defendant from the verandah of his house, which is opposite the park.

    Mr Williams sentenced defendant to six months’ hard labour in Goulburn gaol.

¹     Goulburn Evening Penny Post, Tue 22 Apr 1924, p. 6. Emphasis added.