Prison Term Imposed (Press, 30 July 1960)

Charles Stanton Turner, a 60-year-old clerk, was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment by Mr Justice Macarthur in the Supreme Court on 30 July 1960 after being charged with attempted indecent assault on a boy on 15 April. Turner, who had one prior conviction for a similar offence dating back 13 years, was represented by Mr H. S. Thomas, while Mr C. M. Roper appeared for the Crown. In his defence, Mr Thomas argued that a suspended sentence or a probationary period would be more appropriate given the circumstances. A probation officer's report indicated that Turner was unlikely to reoffend. However, Mr Roper highlighted that the boy involved had cooperated fully, making a statement to the police about the incident that took place at a pensioners’ establishment. Mr Justice Macarthur acknowledged Turner's struggles with his homosexual tendencies, suggesting that he occasionally found them difficult to control. After considering the perspectives presented by both counsels, the Judge noted that the boy had effectively led Turner into a situation of temptation, leading him to succumb to these impulses. Despite this context, the Judge determined that a prison sentence was necessary. He indicated that had the circumstances been different, he would have imposed a longer term than the four months given for Turner's previous offence. Ultimately, the Judge concluded that the seriousness of the case warranted imprisonment.

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