Wilfred Wallace Sly, 1928 – Indecent assault
Below also see: Wilfred Wallace Sly, 1933
The Illawarra Mercury, Fri 5 Oct 1928 1
SERIOUS CHARGE.
At the Wollongong police court this morning, before Mr Cobley, JP, Wilfred Wallace Sly was charged that he did indecently assault William Henry Davies, a male person, on October 3rd.
Mr Statham appeared for defendant.
Segt. Pye, agreed to a remand until October 22nd.
Mr Statham: The defendant has not been here very long, Your Worship, and is not very well known. I would ask for bail so that he can attend to his defence.
Segt. Pye: I would ask for substantial bail in a case like this.
Defendant: There will be no trouble about bail.
His Worship fixed bail at self in £50, and one other in £50, or two of £25.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 5 Oct 1928 2
A SERIOUS CHARGE.
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Wilfred Wallace Sly (33) was brought before Wollongong Court this morning, before the CPS (Mr Cudley), and charged that he did indecently assault William Henry Davies, a male person, resident at Thirroul, on Wednesday, 3rd October.
Mr Statham, who appeared for accused, applied for a remand. He stated accused had not been long in Wollongong, and he required time to work up the defence. He also asked for bail.
Sergeant Pye, police prosecutor, said he had no objection to bail being granted.
Accused was remanded till 22nd instant. Bail allowed, £100; self in £50, one in £50, or two in £25.
It is alleged the assault took place when accused drove the lad home from school, in a motor car.
It is further alleged that when the parent of the child went to approach the accused who was in a car at the Wollongong railway station yesterday, he abandoned the car and made off.
He was subsequently arrested.
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The Illawarra Mercury, Fri 26 Oct 1928 3
ALLEGED SERIOUS OFFENCE.
ACCUSED COMMITTED.
Wilfred Wallace Sly was charged that he did indecently assault William Henry Davies, a male person, near Corrimal, on October 3rd.
Mr Statham appeared for the accused.
Constable Jonas, Wollongong, deposed: At 4.15 pm on October 4th, in company with Constable Bennett and Selwood. I went to the Wollongong Railway Station where I saw a man named Davies, and a boy of the same name. They told me something, I also saw motor car No. 157789, a closed car, standing near the entrance of the railway station. I took possession of the car, and brought it to the Wollongong Police Station. At about 8.30 pm on the same date, in company with Constable Selwood, I went to some flat in Wollongong and there saw accused. I said to him “Is your name Sly?” He replied “Yes.” In answer to further questions he said he was employed as a motor salesman by Dwyers Vehicles Ltd. I said “A boy by the name of Davies has made an allegation that a man answering your description indecently assaulted him yesterday afternoon. Will you come to the police station for identification now. At the police station I said to him “Did you take the car which you were driving back to Dwyers to-day?” He said “No.” I said “Where did you leave it?” He said “I left it at the Railway Station.” I said “Why did you leave it there?” He said “I was assaulted, and ran away.” I said “Were you driving the same car yesterday afternoon between Wollongong and Thirroul?” He said “Yes.” I said “Did you pick up a boy near Corrimal, and give him a ride to Bulli?” He sais “Yes.” I said “Have you seen that boy since?” He said “Yes I saw him this afternoon at Wollongong railway station.” I said “That boy has made an allegation that a man answering your description indecently assaulted him in a car yesterday afternoon.” He replied “I did not.” I said “Do you board in Smith street, Wollongong?” He said “Yes.” I said “Why did you not go there for your tea to-night?” He said “I was with a lady.” I said “Did you go there about 6 o’clock this afternoon?” He said “Yes. I went there and changed my clothes.” I said “Why did you change your clothes?” He replied “Because I had dust on the.” About 10 pm the same night accused was lined up with nine other men and was identified by the boy Davies. The boy’s father also identified the accused as the man with whom he had had a conversation in connection with an assault on his son.
Constable Bennett, Wollongong, gave corroborative evidence, and said that accused had told him that the boy’s father had assaulted him (accused). Witness asked him why he had not reported the assault to the police, and accused replied “I did not want to get mixed up in matters like that.”
William Henry Davies, schoolboy, deposed: I live with my parents in Main Road, Thirroul. On October 3rd I left school at 12.30 and went to the Wollongong Railway Station. I found that I had missed my train, and started to walk along Prince’s Highway towards North Wollongong. I got a ride on a motor lorry from North Wollongong to near Balgownie. I was walking along the road again when a car pulled up. The accused, who was driving the car, beckoned to me and said “How far are you going?” I said “To Bulli.” He said “I will give you a lift.” I got into the car. When we were driving along the road he said “What school do you go to.” I said “The Wollongong Junior Technical School.” He said “What age are you?” and I replied “15.” He said “I thought you would be about 17 or 18. My word you are a big boy for your age.” I was sitting on the seat next to him at the time and he started to interfere with me (here followed a description of the offence). He then made an indecent proposal to me, but I told him I wanted to get out of the car at the corner as my aunt lived there. When I got out he said “Can I see you at school tomorrow?” I said “I don’t know,” and went inside. I told my auntie something, then went home with the bus and told my mother. About 3.30 pm the next day I looked out of one of the school windows, and saw a car similar to the one I had been in the previous day. The car was near the steam laundry. Ten minutes later the car had gone. On the way to the station my father stopped me, and spoke to me. I went on to the station, and saw the accused at the entrance to the platform. He said something to me, which I thought was “Are you coming?” I said “No,” and walked on to the platform. A little later I saw accused and my father having a brawl.
By Mr Statham: I saw my father knock him down.
William Purcell, miner, Wollongong, deposed that he spoke to Davies, senr., and later saw a scuffle between Davies, senr. and accused. Accused then ran towards the laundry, and up towards Crown Street.
Placid William Dwyer, director of Dwyer’s Vehicles Ltd, deposed that accused had been employed by his firm as a salesman, and had been driving a demonstration car, which was after wards recovered from the Police Station.
Mr Statham asked that the charge be dismissed as there was no corroboration of the boy’s story.
His Worship said that there was a prima facie case, and committed accused to stand his trial at the next Quarter Sessions to be held at Wollongong, or at any other Court which the Attorney General may direct. Bail was fixed as before in self in £50, and one other of £50, or two of £25.
When formally charged, accused said “I reserve my defence.”
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 26 Oct 1928 4
WOLLONGONG COURT
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Monday.
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(Before Mr Chapman, SM.)
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A SERIOUS CHARGE.
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Wilfred Wallace Sly was charged with indecently assaulting William Henry Davies, near Corrimal, on 3rd October last.
Constable Jonas stated at 4.15 pm on October 4th, with Constable Bennett and Selwood, he went to the Wollongong railway station, where he saw a man and boy by the name of Davies. He saw a motor car, No. 157-785, standing near the entrance to the station. He took the car and brought it to the police station. About 8.30 pm on the same day, with Constable Selwood witness saw the accused and said, “A boy by the name of Davies has made an allegation that a man answering your description assaulted him yesterday afternoon and we want you to come to the police station for identification.” At the police station, witness said, “Did you take the demonstration car back to Dwyer’s, to-night.” Accused replied, “No,” and said he left it at the railway station. Accused said he left the car there because he was assaulted and ran away. He admitted driving the sam car the previous afternoon between Wollongong and Thirroul. He also admitted giving a boy a ride from Corrimal to Bulli. He said he had seen the boy that afternoon at the railway station. Witness then said that was the boy who had made the complaint, and accused replied, “I did not assault him.” When asked why he did not go home for tea that night, accused said he went home about five o’clock and changed his clothes as they were dusty. About 10.15 pm the accused was lined up with nine other men, and the boy Davies was brought into the room and identified him. The boy’s father then came into the room and identified the accused as the man he had had a conversation with in connection with the assault.
Constable Bennett stated he went to the railway station about 4.30 pm on October 4th, where he saw Constables Jonas and Selwood, Mr Davies, senior, and the boy Davies. The Sedan car, which was at the station, was taken to the Wollongong Police station where he took statements from the father and son. That night he came to the police station, where he saw the accused, and questioned him about the car. When asked why he did not report the assault, the accused said he did not want to get mixed up in any trouble. Witness’ further evidence was in support of that given by Constable Jonas.
When charged, the accused made no reply.
William Henry Davies, a schoolboy, attending Wollongong Junior Technical School, and residing at Main Road, Thirroul, stated he left school about 12.30 on October 3rd, and went to the railway station. He found the train had gone, so he started to walk along the main road towards North Wollongong. A man gave him a lift as far as Balgownie turn-off. He then walked along towards Corrimal, and a car driven by the accused pulled up. Witness said he was going to Bulli, and the accused said he would give him a lift. He got into the car and the accused asked him what school he went to. When witness gave his age as 15, accused said he thought he was about 17 or 18. The accused then acted indecently towards him. Finally witness induced him to stop the car and witness got out just in front of his auntie’s place. The accused asked him if he could see him at school, but witness replied, “I don’t know.” Witness went in and told his auntie; he then caught a ’bus and went home and told his mother, who told his father. Witness went to school the next day, and after 3.30 he looked out the window and saw a car similar to the one he was in the previous day. The car was standing near the steam laundry. Hhe looked out of the window soon after, but the car had gone. Witness left the school and started to walk to the station. On the way witness’ father spoke to him. They walked to the station and witness saw the accused, and the car near the station. The accused said something which witness took to be “Are you coming.” He replies, “No,” and walked away. He noticed a brawl between his father and the accuse.
By Mr Statham It would be about 1.45 pm when I arrived at my auntie’s place; I was only in the car for a bout twenty minutes; noticed accused knocked down.
To Sergeant Pye: It was a closed -in car.
William Purcell, miner, of Wollongong, stated about 3 pm on October 4th, he was near Deep’s Laundry, about 100 yards from the Technical School. He saw Mr Davies standing there, and spoke to him. Later accused drove up and stopped outside the ticket office. Witness did not hear anything but saw a scuffle between Mr Davies and the driver of this car. The driver was knocked down and ran away up towards Crown Street, leaving the car behind.
Placid William Dwyer, director of Dwyer’s Vehicles Ltd, stated the accused was in their employ on October 4th, and was driving the car left at the Wollongong railway station.
Mr Statham submitted the case was not made out as there was no corroboration of the boy’s evidence.
The SM ruled against this, and held there was a case to answer.
When charged, the accused said he reserved his defence. He was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.
Bail was allowed as before, self and one surety of £50.
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The Illawarra Mercury, Fri 8 Mar 1929 5
QUARTER SESSIONS.
WOLLONGONG.—Tuesday.
(Before His Honor Judge White).
Mr Crawford acted as Crown Prosecutor in each case.
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Wednesday.
At 9.30 am the jury on the Williamson case were taken to see the scene of the accident, and returned to court at 11.40 am, and asked for further instruction from His Honor on the meaning of “gross negligence.”
The jury returned to Court at 3.35 pm with a verdict of guilty, and accused was remanded for sentence.
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Wilfred Wallace Sly was charged that he did commit an indecent assault on William Henry Davies, a male person, at Corrimal, on October 3rd.
Mr Abigail appeared for the accused, who pleaded not guilty.
Jury: J Barwise, TW Nuttall, HA Mills, HJ Hickson, SWP Watson, AO Leeper, WJ Langdon, H Starr, RH Meharg, J Crooks, AJ Cook, JM O’Brien.
Constable Jonas, Wollongong, deposed that he took possession of the car which accused had been driving on October 3rd. Later he arrested accused at some flats in Wollongong, and had some conversation with him concerning the alleged offence. (This case was fully reported in our columns when accused was committed for trial at the Wollongong Police Court, some months ago). Accused admitted driving the boy in the car, but denied the alleged offence.
Constable Bennett, Wollongong, gave corroborative evidence.
William Henry Davies, aged 15 years, Thirroul, deposed that he was attending the Wollongong Junior Technical School on October 3rd. He missed his train home at 12.30, and started to walk home. When walking along the road towards Corrimal the accused came along in a car, and offered him a lift home. Witness got into the car and then accused discussed various matters with him, and (here followed details of the alleged offence). When witness got out of the car accused asked him could he see him next day, and witness replied, “I don’t know.” Witness later told an aunt, and his father something. The next day, when school came out, he saw accused’s car, and told his father, who was nearby, something. Later he saw his father speaking to the accused.
Mrs Anne Davies, mother of the previous witness, deposed that her son complained to her of accused’s conduct immediately on his return home on the day in question, and said “I would not like to tell you what the man (accused done.” She later made a statement (produced) to the police.
William John Davies, father of William Henry Davies, deposed that, on October 4th, he was at the Wollongong railway station between 3 and 4 o’clock, and that he saw accused drive up in a car. He spoke to accused, and then struck him. Accused ran away and left the car. Witness then got into telephonic communication with the police.
William Purcell, miner, Wollongong, gave evidence corroborative of that of the previous witness.
For the Defence—
Wilfred Wallace Sly, aged 36 years, motor salesman, deposed that he had never been in any sort of trouble before, and that he was quite innocent of the charge. He drove Rev KF Saunders to Smith’s Hill on the afternoon in question, and was proceeding towards Corrimal when the youth Davies pulled him up near Fairy Meadow School, and asked for a lift to Bulli. Davies was in the car about 8 minutes, and nothing of an improper nature occurred whatever. The next day he was near the school as he was selling a car to one of the teachers there. This teacher travelled from Wollongong each day by train and it was when near the station that Davies, senr. met witness and struck him, after a brief conversation.
Charles Caddell Capper, house agent, Lindfield, and James Smith, of Ford & Smith, Wollongong, gave evidence as to the good character of the accused.
Frederick William Brinsmead, teacher, Wollongong, deposed that he remembered accused calling at the school at Wollongong, in reference to selling a car, on several occasions.
Rev KF Saunders, Wollongong, gave evidence corroborative of that of accused.
After being locked up all night, the Jury came into court on the Thursday morning, and informed His Honor that they were unable to agree.
The accused was remanded until next Court.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 8 Mar 1929 6
QUARTER SESSIONS
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The Quarter Sessions opened at Wollongong, on Tuesday last, before his Honor Judge White.
Mr J Kirby JP, occupied a seat on the Bench.
Mr Crawford was Crown Prosecutor.
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ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT.
Wilfred Wallace Sly was charged with indecent assault on October 3rd [1928] at Corrimal.
He pleaded not guilty and was defended by Mr ER Abigail.
The following jury was empanelled:—J Barwise, TW Nuttall, HA Mills, HJ Hickson, SW Watson, AO Leeper, WJ Langdon, H Starr, RH Meharg, J Crooks, AJ Cook, JM O’Brien. Six jurors were challenged by the accused and two by the Crown.
Constable Jonas stated he, with Constables Selwood and Bennett,, took possession of the car outside the railway station. About 8.15 pm witness and Constable Selwood saw the accused and brought him to the police station where he was questioned. The accused admitted taking the boy home in the car, but dented having interfered with him. About 10.15 pm that same day the accused was lined up, and was identified by the boy, and also the boy’s father.
Constable Bennett gave corroborative evidence.
William Henry Davies, aged 15, a school boy, of Thirroul, stated on October 32rd, 1928, he left school about 12.30, but missed the train and started to walk home. He walked as far as North Wollongong and got a lift to near Corrimal. Shortly afterwards the accused drove up and offered witness a lift, which was accepted. Witness got into the car and they had a conversation. He then gave a description of the alleged offence. Witness left the car at his auntie’s place at Woonona, and told her of the occurrence. On arrival home he told both his mother and father. About 3.30 pm the following day, while at school, he looked out of the window and saw a car like that driven by the accused the previous day. When school came out witness and his father had a conversation. The accused spoke to witness, but did not stop, but walked through on to the station platform. He noticed his father talking to the accused.
By Mr Abigail: It was after I told accused my age that he asked me if I wanted to buy a motor car.
Mrs Anna Davies, of Main Road, Thirroul, stated the previous witness was her son. When her son came home about 2.30 on October 3rd, he said he had had a adventure on the way home from Thirroul, and told her what had occurred. Witness told her husband and he went into Wollongong the following day. During November, while witness was at Unanderra, she made as statement to the police.
By Mr Abigail: When I asked my son what had happened he replied “I would not like to tell you what the man did.”
William John Davies, father of the lad concerned in the case, stated he was a Master Mariner, and his ship was at sea at the first hearing of the case. On October 4th, witness came into Wollongong and near the railway station he saw a motor car which went up around the back of the school, and when school came out the car came down and was parked opposite the station. Witness met his son and then went up to the accused, and asked if he were the man who had given the boy a ride in the car. Witness asked accused if he were not ashamed of himself, but could not hear the reply. He then struck the accused, who ran away.
William Purcell, miner, of Wollongong, stated he was near the Technical School on the afternoon of October 4th. He gave corroborative evidence.
This was the Crown case.
For the defence.—
Wilfred Wallace Sly, motor salesman, stated at the time of the alleged offence he was employed in Wollongong. On October 3rd he left his house about 2 o’clock and drove off towards Austinmer. Approaching Fair Meadow School witness noticed the lad walking on the side of the road. The lad asked for a lift, and said he was going to Bulli. The car was a sedan, with two bucket seats in the front. They were talking about cars at first and the lad said he attended the Junior Technical School. Witness denied having committed any offence. The lad was only in the car about eight minutes, and when he got out at Bulli witness drove on to Austinmer. Witness told the lad he was going to call at the school to see one of the teachers in respect to the purchase of a car. He arrived at the school the next day, and was assaulted by the lad’s father.
Charles Cavill Capper, stock and station agent, at Lindfield, stated he had known the accused for 28 years. His home surroundings were of the best, and witness considered the accused a very well behaved man.
Frederick William Brimsmead, of Wollongong, stated he was a teacher at the Technical School. He remembered the accused seeing him in July about the sale of a motor car, but witness said he would consider it a later date.
Rev KF Saunders and James Smith, Wollongong, gave evidence as to character. The latter, a partner of the firm of Ford and Smith, said the accused was a good hard worker and a reliable man.
The jury retired at 3.20 pm.
The jury, after being locked up all night, returned into Court on Thursday morning, and announced an agreement could not be arrived at. Accused was remanded till next Sessions,
Wilfred Wallace Sly, 1933
The Sydney Morning Herald, Mon 6 Nov 1933 7
DEATHS.
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SLY.—November 4, 1933, Wilfred Wallace Sly, youngest son of Dr and Mrs JD Sly, of Neutral Bay.
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South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, Fri 10 Nov 1933 8
WEEK BY WEEK
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The death occurred in Sydney last week-end of Mr Wilfred Wallace Sly a former resident of Wollongong.
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Congratulations to Constables King (Dapto), Boyd (Bulli), Selwood and Bennett (Wollongong) on their promotion to First-class Constables.
1 The Illawarra Mercury, Fri 5 Oct 1928, p. 11. Emphasis added.
2 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 5 Oct 1928, p. 13. Emphasis added.
3 The Illawarra Mercury, Fri 26 Oct 1928, p. 2. Emphasis added.
4 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 26 Oct 1928, p. 24. Emphasis added.
5 The Illawarra Mercury, Fri 8 Mar 1929, p. 13. Emphasis added.
6 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 8 Mar 1929, p. 12. Emphasis added.
7 The Sydney Morning Herald, Mon 6 Nov 1933, p. 10.
8 South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus, (NSW), Fri 10 Nov 1933, p. 12. Emphasis added.