Prison Term For Wounding Girl (Press, 28 February 1976)
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Summary: Prison Term For Wounding Girl (Press, 28 February 1976)
On 27 February 1976, Peter John Martin, aged 18, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He had been previously acquitted of more serious charges, including kidnapping and attempted murder, alongside 19-year-old Rosalie Georgina Tito, who was sentenced to a period in a borstal for a lesser charge of assault with intent to injure. The incident occurred in early January 1976 during a journey between Christchurch and Picton, using a vehicle owned by the complainant, Doreen Anne Sykes. Following the incident, Martin and Tito were apprehended at the Picton ferry terminal after Sykes emerged from the boot of the car, visibly bruised and stained with blood. During the trial, evidence was presented regarding a complicated and unusual sexual relationship between the involved parties, with Martin admitting to his homosexuality. In his remarks during sentencing, Mr Justice Beattie pointed out the difficult circumstances surrounding Martin’s life, noting that he had been seduced by an older homosexual when he was around 12 or 13. The judge highlighted that those advocating for homosexual law reform should reflect on the challenges faced by individuals like Martin, who had experienced a decline in his life trajectory since that early age. In describing the nature of Martin's involvement in the incident, the judge recounted that Martin had taken a leading role, wielding a spade and pinch bar against Sykes. Mr Justice Beattie suggested that prison authorities consider keeping Martin segregated from adult prisoners to protect him. Regarding Tito, the judge noted her troubling past, which included claims of being raped at the age of 12 and a history of drug use, including hard drugs, starting at 15. With five previous convictions, Tito had not initiated the physical assault on Sykes but had applied some pressure during the incident. The sentences reflected both the severity of the actions taken against Sykes and the personal histories of Martin and Tito.
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